BBC iPlayer and Licence Fees

All viewers who use the iPlayer to watch any BBC programmes will now have to pay the annual £145.50 licence fee. Previously, the fee was applicable only to viewers who watch live broadcasts, which means that it was legal and free to watch programmes on catch –up.
 
The new rule is expected to particularly affect younger people who are more likely to consume content on smartphone or tablets than via traditional television sets.
 
A BBC spokesperson said: "At present, a pop-up window appears asking viewers to confirm they've got a TV licence when they click to play live BBC content on iPlayer, and from today, that will update to include on-demand BBC programmes on iPlayer.
 
"The vast majority of households - around 94% - are already licensed so this change will not affect them. You still need a licence to watch or record live TV on any channel."
 
A TV Licensing spokesperson said: "We are not going to use mass surveillance techniques, we are not going to ask internet providers for IP addresses, and in fact, we will simply use existing enforcement processes and techniques which we believe to be adequate and appropriate.
 
"Our current procedures enable us to catch those watching on devices other than televisions."