The debate over the legality of Android TV boxes has been going on for quite some time. Although its creators have even tried to distance themselves from this controversy and have issued statements with clarifications, many Americans are still on the fence about Android TV boxes and their use. In this article, we answer the question “Android TV Box – Legal or illegal?” In 2019, a couple was arrested for illegally distributing (selling) Android boxes that did not comply with MCMC regulations. They were subsequently charged under Section 239 of the Multimedia and Communications Act with unlawfully using, possessing or supplying non-standard devices/devices, also known as Android boxes, punishable by less than two years` imprisonment and a fine of up to RM 100,000 or both. Similar to the above, an IPTV box with only the Kodi app pre-installed is 100% legal. You can quote me anywhere. Just because you have Kodi on an IPTV box doesn`t make that box illegal. Downloading and using official Kodi add-ons doesn`t put you in the wrong weapons of the law. Official Kodi add-ons can be downloaded through the Kodi installers themselves.

Also, we should all note that the fact that Kodi can be used illegally does not make Kodi illegal. If Kodi is illegal, Android OS will be the most illegal operating system ever. Google Android OS is open source like Kodi xbmc. Nowadays, many add-ons are available to enhance the viewing experience at a very affordable price or for free. But we must be vigilant when using these add-ons. These add-ons not only save you time, but also provide you with a lot of that content, available exclusively for one platform or for the paid version. We find it interesting and exciting to have access to such content, but it is alarming why this exclusive content is so readily available. Using Android TV boxes is not illegal in the US, but these add-ons are certainly illegal. The Act under section 16(1) of the Communications and Multimedia Regulations, 2000 explains this prohibition to sellers who illegally distribute Android boxes in the Regulations as follows: But first, let`s understand what exactly Android TV boxes are and what puts them at risk of being illegal: So, if you currently own an Android box and you are not sure, if it is legal.

The question will be now, what if you are caught with an Android box with an illegal network? […] Particularly relevant: IPTV and its concerns […] So if you just own Android TV boxes, don`t do anything illegal. Even the use of add-ons, pre-installed or not, is not very illegal. But when it comes to the content you access – content that wasn`t free on any other platform, then it`s illegal. Therefore, it is absolutely necessary for viewers to be aware of the multimedia content they are watching. Chen Kai Yi, 39, and his wife, Yeak Wak Ying, 33, are both directors of LC Marketing Networking Media Sdn Bhd, the company was charged today in the court of sessions with selling illegal communication devices, including Android boxes. In my contribution a few weeks ago, I took a critical look at the legal issues of IPTV technology. Today, we`re going to discuss in detail some uncertainties regarding the legality of Android TV boxes. Particularly relevant, I think; Are Android TV IPTV set-top boxes legal? Is it legal to own and use an IPTV set-top box? Are set-top boxes with the ability to open channels with IPTV technology legal? In the future, I will first recall some facts that support the legality of the use of IPTV boxes. If this is established, what if you also sell Android boxes and with the bans now imposed, how would it affect you? Well, the answer is pretty obvious, because if someone who owns the illegal device can potentially face legal action, someone selling it would definitely have big problems too.

However, you won`t be arrested if you view or download pirated content, but it`s still illegal. Yes, it is 100% legal to own an Android TV box in Malaysia. On the news, you may hear that owning an Android TV box is illegal and people are being charged. Legality issues with Android TV boxes lead to serious lawsuits against violations. While offenders in developing countries are more aggressive, offenders in advanced countries receive harsher sentences. In the UK, for example, if you are guilty, you can be sentenced to up to 15 years in prison. On the contrary, here in Nigeria, for example, many vendors are hunted down and assaulted. There are a few indisputable facts that serve as an indication of the legality of IPTV. To date, more than 2 billion of the world`s population uses IPTV. Apple TV (from Apple), Chromecast (from Google), Amazon Fire Stick (from Amazon), Roku Stick are among the first and best streaming devices.

If these media giants can make IPTV sticks and boxes, it means that the IPTV boxes themselves are 100% legal. In February 2021, a business owner who sells modified Long TV media boxes broadcasting illegal content can be fined up to RM40,000 and sentenced to ten years in prison for Smart Android TV Box, Videocon, XiaoMi MiBox, i-Boite, etc. An Android box has several names, and you could have one yourself, but back in 2019, the government had considered banning these smart TV boxes forever. Fortunately for us, the government decided not to ban the ban. Instead, they banned servers that were streaming illegal content via an Android box. He pointed out that the certification of such media boxes does not apply to applications that enable the illegal dissemination of copyrighted content. We called the MCMC about this and the spokesperson told us that it is not the Android box itself that is illegal. After all, it`s just an ordinary device that connects to several different apps online. However, if there is an unauthorized wired/international satellite connection connected to the Android box, it will be called illegal. In other words, if an Android box is connected to a wired connection that is NOT from a Malaysian landline or a recognized WIFI connection, then it goes against MCMC regulations. The issue of legality will only arise if you use third-party add-ons.

Because these add-ons are not allowed, unregulated and can be called illegal. When installing Android TV boxes in your home, pay attention to the type and version of add-ons that modify your TV box. These changes may include the accessibility of those channels or content that are not allowed on the free platforms. The seller of these Android TV boxes may charge additional fees for these illegal and pirated versions and prove to be harmful to you. Third-party add-ons often use the copyrighted version and make your Android TV box illegal. The sale and purchase of such versions of copyrighted software is illegal not only in the United States, but also in other developed countries. So if you have an Android box that doesn`t meet MCMC standards, and if the network connection is discharged from another line, you can be held liable under the law. So if you own an Android box but know it`s connected to an illegal network, or you`re doing something illegal with it, the authorities can prosecute you. It`s similar to downloading pirated movies or illegal software to your laptop, which doesn`t make the laptop illegal per se, but what you do with it is. Selling illegal Android boxes can easily result in five-figure fines and years in prison. […] Are Android TVs/set-top boxes illegal? Find out what you need to know to be on the safe side […] Yes, EVPAD TV Box is legal in Malaysia as long as they are not pre-installed with illegal streaming apps.

In conclusion, I do not recommend buying the EVPAD TV box in 2022 because it is illegal to use a TV box installed with applications that broadcast illegal content. Mi TV Stick 4K and Google Chromecast are better choices if you want to buy an MCMC approved TV box. The MCMC has so far blocked up to 246 illegal servers and is in the process of arresting the distributors or authors of these illegal Android boxes. Even if we want to access a variety of channels and networks in one device at an affordable price, it`s just as important to look at the big picture. It is worth noting that rooting Android phone, unlocking Windows Phone and jailbreaking iPhone are all legal. However, you can use them for illegal purposes. However, hacking a PlayStation is 100% illegal. I think all parties can read my handwriting on the wall. You don`t say too much online. When it comes to set-top boxes that stream content, the bottom line is that some programs and channels are only available through subscription-based paid services. Finally, the answer to the question “Are Android TV boxes legal in the US?” is about the add-ons you use.

It is absolutely acceptable to plug an Android TV box into your TV and use it properly. But any change made with illegal or pirated software can cause trouble for a person.