Piracy

Did you know subscription television piracy is a crime?

  • Subscription television piracy is a serious crime that incurs both criminal and civil penalties.
  • The criminal penalties include fines of up to $60,500 and/or up to five years imprisonment.
  • Criminal penalties can be imposed on both 'users' of pirated equipment as well as 'dealers' of pirated equipment.
  • This means that piracy can occur, and is a crime, when either:
    - someone gains access to a subscription television service without paying the provider; or
    - someone sells, manufactures and/or distributes unauthorised subscription television equipment (including pirated smartcards).
    - Some people may not realise they are breaking the law by using unauthorised equipment.
    - The subscription television industry is cracking down on piracy.
    - Piracy increases the cost of subscription television services for legitimate customers.
    - Piracy costs the subscription television industry millions of dollars in revenue and resources, which would otherwise be used to grow the Australian Television and Production Industries.

If you are involved in or know about piracy activity, you have the opportunity to do something about it. Don't run the risk of getting caught. Become a legitimate subscriber today - ring 132 342. Or to report piracy activity - ring the AUSTAR Fraud Investigations Team on (07) 5560 6881. For more information, go to the ASTRA piracy web page. ASTRA is the Australian Subscription Television and Radio Association.

AUSTAR Entertainment Pty Ltd ABN 93 068 104 530