KODI WARNING: New law means illegal Kodi box now carries 10-year jail sentence

The Digital Economy Act has passed into law, meaning users now face up to a decade behind bars for illegally streaming copyrighted content.

Anyone caught streaming TV shows, films and sports events using torrents, websites and Kodi boxes could be jailed for ten years.

It is thought that the new law, which also covers online pornography and broadband rollouts, will be used to mostly target sellers, but technically anyone streaming is now punishable by the law.

Technically, the Kodi software is not illegal, but streaming any copyrighted content using one is illegal and carries a maximum 10-year jail sentence.

Minister of State for Digital Matt Hancock said: “I’m delighted the Digital Economy Act has become law.

“This legislation will help build a more connected and stronger economy. The Act will enable major improvements in broadband rollout, better support for consumers, better protection for children on the Internet, and further transformation of government services.”

Talking to the Mirror, chief executive of FACT Kieron Sharp said the copyright measures included in the bill are primarily targeted at those committing a serious offense. Anyone “making a business” out of selling illegal content could potentially face up to ten years rather than two.

He also stated that It is extremely unlikely those who casually stream a couple of movies every once in a while would prosecuted to such extremes.

What is Kodi?

Kodi is a free, open-source hub which was originally created for the Microsoft Xbox originally called Media Center.

The system gives any device from smartphones to TVs the ability to stream files from the internet using third-party apps.