Internet usage in the UK

Oct 3, 2018

Hi there

I am supposed to start studying for a Master's Degree mid-September in Liverpool and I'll be staying there for about a year. I'd like to learn more about internet usage in the UK as I am certain it is much different from my country's.

Over here, it's not illegal to stream torrents, tv shows, cracked games and applications, etc. but I know for a fact that it is absolutely illegal and shunned in the States.

How is it in the UK? Besides torrents which I know are completely illegal, would you be able to stream a UFC fight, for example? That's pretty much the only show I care to watch Live but no local network where I live actually streams it and therefore I have to resort to other sources on the internet (free, that is) to watch.

Would I get in trouble if I use a website like ifirstrow for football or UFC matches?

I know they're silly, stupid questions but I'd just like to have an idea on the situation before I go there.

Thank you for your time.

j4v3d · Sep 8, 2017

You would be able to stream UFC over the internet, but that is against the law as well - but it doesn't stop people from doing it. ISP's are cracking down on streaming sites and torrents - most common sites are blocked.

tarekelsakka91 · Sep 9, 2017

But is it like in the US? Do people actually pay major fines and sometimes end up in jail because of such things? I'm not advocating piracy at all, I'm just asking how it is over there.

shadovv123 · May 17, 2018

Don't quote me on this! But from what I understand ISPs usually will send a warning letter a first time round if they believe you are doing something illegal. Im not sure if you continue doing it what they would do after but you wont get fined straight away unless you are the person who is hosting the illegal content.

LouiseMay · Oct 3, 2018

I've never heard of anyone facing punishment for it and most people I know do.

I got told off for sharing copywrited content (didn't understand how torrents worked at the time)

Had about 5 emails about it from my internet provider essentially saying in a nice british way

'Oh do you mind awfully not doing that, its a bit naughty'

Nothing else came of it

Internet usage in the UK

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