MikeJ

See
https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/help/latest-news/account-signin

This item says that login information is shared with TV licencing.
There is also an unsatisfactory explanation why you cannot access iPlayer overseas in the FAQ section.

garycarlyle

Thay wont be able to if the person doesnt even live in the UK.

MikeJ

Not sure of the relevance - if you don't live in the UK then axiomatically you can't be a licence dodger since you should not have a licence anyway!

In practice, the BBC will simply not accept your registration and you will not be able to login.

I'm sure that some clever people will find a devious way of circumventing the rules in due course (if they feel it is morally acceptable). But the real issue is that the rules should be updated so that if you have paid once (by a legitimate licence) why you should have to pay again or choose an illegal solution, to watch BBC content - even when you are on holiday.

MrBife

Because when the BBC buy in TV programmes from external providers they are buying the right to show them in the UK only and agreeing with the provider that they will do all they can to ensure that they are only seen by people who a geographically within the UK.

The job of the programme providers is to sell those same rights again to France, to Portugal, to Zimbabwe etc etc

Maybe in the future when DRM moves on a little the providers themselves will release programmes on a pay to view basis. Sadly/luckily hackers consider all TV and indeed Music content as fair game, have no interest in generating revenue for the originators and quickly find a way to circumvent the protection methods.

MikeJ

You're right Mr Bife but the question is not what?; it is why? In this modern connected world then geographic location is not really relevant as long as you have paid you should be able to view. The BBC should revisit it's agreements with providers.