Netflix viewers have been warned they could face a huge fine for streaming the Jake Paul vs Mike Tyson fight.
The highly anticipated bout is set to be exclusively aired live on the streaming platform in the early hours of Saturday, November 16, at around 4am UK time. However, merely being a paid subscriber to the platform won't suffice to dodge a potential penalty for watching the clash.
A legal expert has now advised those intending to watch Paul vs Tyson live to ensure they possess a TV licence. A standard TV licence, which currently costs £159 per year and can be procured from the official TV Licensing website, allows the viewing of live television across any device, ensuring viewers abide by UK law, reports the Mirror.
Many subscribers to streaming platforms like Netflix or Disney+ might have chosen not to buy a licence, thinking they don't need one. Daniel McAfee, Head of Legal Operations at Lawhive, has discussed the importance of users staying informed to avoid breaking the law and facing harsh potential consequences.
He said this advice is not only beneficial for Netflix subscribers eager to watch the fight but also crucial for those who have been watching Premier League and Champions League matches on Amazon Prime.
McAfee said: "For standard, on-demand content such as TV series, films, or other non-live programming on Netflix, a TV licence is not required. However, once the platform offers a live broadcast, the legal landscape shifts significantly.
"Under UK law, any live television broadcast requires a valid TV licence, regardless of the streaming platform—this includes Netflix, Disney+, and Amazon Prime. Even if the live broadcast appears on a subscription-based service that otherwise only offers on-demand content, the rule applies.
"The law is comprehensive and applies equally to internet-based live streams as it does to traditional television.”
Even if the live broadcast appears on a subscription-based service that otherwise only offers on-demand content, the rule still applies. McAfee chimed in with a stern warning, saying: "Penalties for watching live broadcasts without a valid TV licence are substantial. Individuals caught watching live content without a licence could face fines up to £1,000. Additionally, the Licensing Authority may prosecute, which can lead to a criminal record.”
While TV licence enforcement officers are permitted to visit properties, residents are under no obligation to let them in. Access to inspect for a valid licence requires either an injunction or a search warrant. However, tools such as signal scanners can detect potential evasion without requiring physical entry.
“As streaming platforms explore live content, it’s possible that demand for TV licences could rise," McAfee continued. "This shift may lead to more prosecutions for unlicensed viewing if users are unaware of their obligations. Streaming platforms like Netflix hold a potential responsibility to inform subscribers of licensing laws, especially as live content becomes more integrated into their offerings.”
Jake Paul vs Mike Tyson is streaming live on Netflix from approximately 1am in the UK on Saturday, November 16
