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HBO sends out takedown notices to GoT pirates

HBO flexes its copyright muscle over its most prized possession.

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HBO has begun sending out takedown notices and letters to those who downloaded 4 episodes of Game of Thrones via BitTorrent.

TorrentFreak reports through its anti-piracy partner IP-Echelon, HBO instructs Internet providers to relay the alerts to the account holder associated with the infringing IP-address.

“1. Contact the subscriber who has engaged in the conduct described above and take steps to prevent the subscriber from further downloading or uploading HBO content without authorization.”

In addition, ISPs may want to take additional measures such as disconnecting the accounts of repeat infringers.

“2. Take appropriate action against the account holder under your Abuse Policy/Terms of Service Agreement.”

While the notices don’t carry any legal threat, HBO is hoping the warning will serve as a further deterrent to pirates. Some notices were directed at VPN users who can’t be identified.

Meanwhile HBO has indicated it will move to stop Australians from using anti geo-blocking to access its HBO NOW streaming service. Fairfax reports HBO sent emails to indicate it would begin cutting off Aussie-based accounts from tomorrow, citing a breach of user service.

“It has come to our attention that you may have signed up for and viewed video content on the HBO NOW streaming service from outside of the authorised service area (the United States, including D.C. and certain US territories),” the email says.

“We would like to take this opportunity to remind you that the HBO NOW streaming service is only available to residents of the United States, for use within the United States. Any other access is prohibited by our Terms of Use.”

But those using US credit cards in combination with VPNs and subscriber services such as Getflix, Unlock.us or Unotelly may be much harder to detect.

Foxtel, which offers a 3 month discount for its Movies & Showcase package during Game of Thrones run, has just aired the second episode of the 5th season.

2 Responses

  1. I’m just PVRing the show this season, being on at the same time as the US it it waiting for me when I get home and if it screws up some how there are tons of encore airings.

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