not all tv box can access pirate contents

tell me which tv box can't access pirated content? as long as it is android-based, all can lah.

if u want say like that....pls band android tv also , oh and all android phones

at least some laws need to be introduced to curb those that openly sell TV box that can access pirated contents in Tesco, Giant etc.

I don't really know how tv box pirated works.
So it comes with access to apps that needs to be paid but for free is it? Like Netflix? No monthly subscription required is it?

https://www.thestar.com.my/business/busines...wlKFD-1CyO4I8Zc

MCMC is considering banning those pirated Android box.

Heard MCMC has started gathering the info of illegal iptv sellers incl box from xtro surveillance to be handed to BNM and LHDN for further investigation...

believe is on Sirim and another thing..  not bnm..

Loud calls for Android box ban
https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2019...to-curb-piracy/

To date, MCMC has blocked 246 sites providing the unauthorised screening of movies, documentaries and news over the set-top box.

MCMC’s Network Security and Enforcement Sector chief officer Zulkarnain Mohd Yasin told The Star they are working closely with the ministry to block the sites providing such illegal streaming.

Read more at https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2019...VXDFayP5eIsO.99

Heard MCMC has started gathering the info of illegal iptv sellers incl box from xtro surveillance to be handed to BNM and LHDN for further investigation...

Heard MCMC has started gathering the info of illegal iptv sellers incl box from xtro surveillance to be handed to BNM and LHDN for further investigation...

LHDN maybe.. but BNM?
SIRIM however is most likely 

they still didnt ban the tvbox right?

they still didnt ban the tvbox right?

Article 13 PASSED: Huge blow for Kodi add-on and Pirate Bay users in major EU vote

ARTICLE 13 - a controversial change to European copyright laws - has been passed in an EU vote today, and it could have major knock-on effects for the internet.
By DION DASSANAYAKE
PUBLISHED: 18:37, Tue, Mar 26, 2019 | UPDATED: 19:19, Tue, Mar 26, 2019

Article 13 has been passed in a vote by the European Parliament, and the news could have massive implications for Kodi add-on and Pirate Bay users.

Both Article 13 and Article 11 - which critics have said could be the ‘death of the internet’ - were passed by 348 votes to 274.

It’s feared that Article 13 could see websites that allow user generated content start implementing filters to prevent copyrighted material being uploaded.

If they don’t then it could lead to these sites being liable for copyright infringement.

Not only would this impact websites such as YouTube and Twitter but it would also hit sites like The Pirate Bay as well as third-party illegal Kodi add-ons.

Illegal Kodi add-ons - which are made by developers not affiliated with Kodi - pull together illegal streams from across the internet.

Sites being compelled to add upload filters would likely significantly reduce the amount of illegal streams illicit add-ons can turn to.

Article 11, meanwhile, would enable publishers to charge fees to platforms like Google or Facebook when they show snippets of their articles.

Article 13 has been passed in a major EU vote, big Kodi addon and Pirate Bay blow (Image: EXPRESS)
YouTube said the final version of the EU Copyright Directive - which Article 13 and 11 are part of - were “an improvement” on previous suggestions.

But they said it could have “unintended consequences that may harm Europe’s creative and digital economy”.

While Julia Reda, an MEP from the Pirate Party, said: “Dark day for internet freedom: The @Europarl_EN has rubber-stamped copyright reform including #Article13 and #Article11.

“MEPs refused to even consider amendments.
https://www.express.co.uk/life-style/scienc...ate-Bay-EU-vote
https://www.express.co.uk/life-style/scienc...t-is-article-13

Couple charged with selling Android TV boxes

Read more at https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2019...93X8eaSE2sUx.99

any idea what the so call MCMC standards?

“These consumers may be unaware that the communications devices or equipment produced are required to be certified by SIRIM for use in Malaysia, according to the laws and regulations of the country,”

The use of certified devices is governed under the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 (CMA) and the Communications and Multimedia (Technical Standards) Regulations 2000.
...

To be certain that your communications devices are certified and adhere to Malaysian standards, check that it has a SIRIM certification sticker. You can also download the SIRIM Check Your Label app to check if a device is certified safe to be used in Malaysia.
https://www.soyacincau.com/2018/12/25/sirim...nications-mcmc/

Are android boxes illegal in Malaysia? Here's what MCMC had to say
https://asklegal.my/p/malaysia-imposing-ban...s-videocon-MCMC

Which are the boxes which carries sirim cert/logo ?

Which are the boxes which carries sirim cert/logo ?

SG got amazon prime right?
So owning amazon tv stick gonna be illegal too? Hermmm

ya.. and tablet... and mobile phone... and smart tv... ban them all!

Local set of tablets and mobile phones will have sirim logo/cert. Similarly for smart TV.

Seems to me sirim logo/cert is more like the sirim perspective of the issue. Might not be the same as the MCMC perspective.

If MCMC's intention is to block illegal content, then they will have go beyond sirim logo/cert. Basically nothing could stop those sirim logo/cert boxes to be further installed with apps which can view illegal content.

We called up the MCMC regarding this matter, and the spokesperson told us that it isn’t the Android box itself that is illegal. After all, it’s just an ordinary device that connects to several different apps online. However, if an unauthorised cable connection/international satellite is connected to the Android box, then that it is said to be illegal. In other words, if an Android box is connected to a cable connection that is NOT from a Malaysian landline connection or a recognised WIFI connection, then it goes against the MCMC regulations.
https://asklegal.my/p/malaysia-imposing-ban...s-videocon-MCMC

no country has banned "tv box".

i dun think they can or will... if so, must ban all tablets and phones too since they work much the same.

BUT, can expect:

.. making it an offence to sell boxes installed with apps to access stuff illegally; UK already taken several to court.
.. making legit service providers improve blocks, recognition and verification to allow only legit users.
.. blocking, closing down, arresting illegit servers, owners.

europe is working on a law to do all of the above... singapore may follow...?

Actually UK sort of banned it.

Hello ,,

how to ban Android Box TV .. when shipments by the containers is coming in from  our seaport .... and more over ...how to get house warrant arrest .. to enter houses  to check ,, on android TV ...

you think our goverment is so freee ..meeh ...

pakai lah otak sikit .... .!!??

hello ...

pakai handphone android .. pakai chrome cast ... masok app ... sudah dapat android TV .... ini pun lu mau tangkap kaah ..???
.

New laws planned to ban sale of media streaming boxes with add-on services

New laws will be tabled in Parliament some time this year to ban the sale of media streaming boxes with "add-on" services that help consumers to access pirated content.

This clarity comes on the heels of a three-year review by the Ministry of Law (MinLaw) and the Intellectual Property Office of Singapore (Ipos) of Singapore's copyright laws.

The legality of media streaming boxes has been a grey and contentious area as copyright holders have found it difficult to resort to many of the usual legal avenues created in the DVD era against set-top box retailers that benefit from the sale of add-on services.

"We are of the view that legislative amendments are needed to both clarify our policy position and the actions that can be taken against retailers of such set-top boxes," MinLaw said in its Copyright Review Report issued yesterday.

"The measures, which are absent today, will make clear that acts such as the import and sale of such devices are prohibited," the ministry said in a separate statement.

The review involved two public consultations, three town hall meetings and 10 engagement sessions conducted since August 2016.

Feedback from various stakeholders - including consumers, industry and trade associations, businesses, intellectual property practitioners and academics - was sought.

The new laws will impose civil and criminal liability on people who wilfully distribute or sell a product that can be used to access pirated content if the product is designed for such access or advertised as such. The selling of a generic device with add-on services - such as supplying website links or subscription services to pirated content - will also be deemed illegal.

Close to 100 formal submissions and more than 280 online feedback forms were received by MinLaw and Ipos.

The new laws will impose civil and criminal liability on people who wilfully distribute or sell a product that can be used to access pirated content if the product is designed for such access or advertised as such.

The selling ofa generic device with add-on services - such as supplying website links or subscription services to pirated content - will also be deemed illegal.

But the new rules will not require retailers of general devices to be responsible for how purchasers set up the devices and use them.

Technology lawyer Koh Chia Ling of OC Queen Street said that consumers are not the target of the proposed changes.

"If streaming involves the making of an infringing copy by the consumer, then the consumer infringes copyright. However, it is not clear whether streaming involves making a copy at all times or at all," he said.

Meanwhile, there will be new enforcement measures to prevent the import and sale of set-top boxes used to access content from unauthorised sources.

The Copyright Act was enacted in 1987, with major revisions last made in 2014 to allow content owners to seek a High Court order to get Internet service providers (ISPs) to block piracy websites. Before the revised law, they could not compel ISPs to block pirated content.

Last November, following a motion filed by SingNet, which is part of Singtel, and copyright holders Fox Networks Group Singapore, NGC Network Asia, Fox International Channels (US) and The Football Association Premier League, the High Court ordered eight new piracy websites and any others related to them to be blocked, bringing the total number of such websites blocked to just over 60.

In April, the courts will hear a criminal case against trading firm An-Nahl for "wilfully" infringing copyright, including that of telcos StarHub and Singtel, as well as the Premier League, by helping people to access pirated content using media streaming boxes that it was selling.

A date to hear the case against retail firm Synnex Trading over a similar infringement has yet to be fixed.
https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/new-...add-on-services

Article 13 BLOW: Kodi and Pirate Bay users dealt BAD news about upload filters
ARTICLE 13 passed its final EU hurdle this week and in the aftermath Kodi and Pirate Bay users were dealt some bad news about upload filters.
Wed, Apr 17, 2019

Article 13 has cleared the final roadblock it needed to ahead of becoming part of EU law. While the controversial copyright law changes were passed by MEPs last month it still needed to be approved by the Council of the European Union. That vote took place on Monday with almost three quarters of EU member states approving the Copyright Directive - which Article 13 is part of. EU member states now have two years to implement the law, and Kodi and Pirate Bay users have been put on alert about the possibility of upload filters.

Critics of the Copyright Directive have said it could be the “death of the internet” and that Article 13 could lead to the use of upload filters.

This is because Article 13 puts the liability for copyright breaches at the doorstep of a website hosting any infringing content.

One way that websites which host user generated content can protect themselves is by adding upload filters.
https://www.express.co.uk/life-style/scienc...-upload-filters

High Court orders ISPs to block pirate sites showing EPL games
https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/high...h8Vlb491jINumoQ

It will come a point, where Item description in LAzada, Shoppee  MY, will prohibit any mention of
-pre-install
-kodi
-free streaming
-live tv

so sellers would really need to be creative in how to promote their goods.

the boxes still can install those app upon purchase... unless really block the IP for download...

yes, that would be as far the government can do.
they are trying to restrict the mass promotion of sellers selling boxes with the tag line" Free TV" etc.

As to how it is effectively enforced, beats me.

As they say, no one can stop the INTERNET.

Singapore court ordered ISP to ban certain sites but people worked around using DNS. Life as usual in Singapore.

Same in Malaysia.

Free stream better than paying premium for rubbish media contents to Astro monthly.
All repetitive contents . Still have to pay to watch recycle content that are neither new or old hollywood movies. Each of this movie cost RM18-20 ringgit or more. And after that these are recycled into channel 430,431,433 and 434.

Even netflix are much better these days. Astro better throw away. They're currently sending out their agents to encourage customers to subscribe higher subscription . Mostly trying to get u to pay RM200 over per month. But it has nothing nice or new.

the boxes still can install those app upon purchase... unless really block the IP for download...

Singapore
Android TV box seller fined in landmark copyright infringement case
Read more at https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singap...gement-11473652

Hefty fine for selling Android TV boxes without Sirim sticker
Published: Today 1:28 pm  |  Modified: Today 1:28 pm

A man has been fined RM40,000 for selling Android TV boxes that were not authorised by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC).

According to the MCMC, the Petaling Jaya Sessions Court had found that Chen Kar Seng had violated the Communication and Multimedia (Technical Standards) Regulations 2000.

Chen was accused of being in possession of 146 Android TV boxes without a Sirim sticker affixed in any of them.

Android TV boxes are the colloquial name for small computers running the Android operating system that are popular among, but not limited to, users streaming video content.

Although such devices can be used to stream from legitimate content providers such as KiniTV, Netflix and Spotify, it is sometimes associated with piracy.

In February, MCMC had warned that it was cracking down on those selling Android TV boxes that have not been screened by the authorities.

Meanwhile, three individuals were fined RM30,000 by the Kuala Lumpur Sessions Court for violating the same regulation, but for selling AV senders.

In a statement, MCMC enforcement chief Mohd Shafie Harun urged the public to only use communication devices with the proper MCMC lables.

He said this was important for consumer safety and to prevent disruptions of other communication services.
https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/481246

Another thing is, (please don't be angry with me in saying this,) people in Malaysia lack education and realization in how bad piracy is.

1) Since our currency has lack of power, everything becomes expensive. Thus people resulting to pirates.

2) People in Malaysia seems to can't fathom to respect other people's hard work and how expensive for the staffs in making the movies/dramas/tv etc. Imagine you work hard on a project, and somebody just steal your project and make profit on it.

3) People in Malaysia don't care when illegal sellers profit without the true effort. Illegal sellers, they didn't put that much effort, they just steal other people's products, but they earn lots of money.

4) People in Malaysia don't even care, as long as they themselves profit in easy way.
So that's the lack of education part. Also, the environment itself plays a part. If you go to a stricter country, say Japan, they will condemn you for using illegal things and your disrespect towards other people hard work.

That's said, I don't know what's the solution. Our currency is poor, but we want to live like the richest country.. Sorry if I'm mistaken.

There's solution is encourage those international legitimate providers like Netflix, Hulu, HBO, etc. to offer their service here at affordable price. I think a lot of people are beginning to realise this and that is why Netflix has been quite successful here.

Look at Steam. There are still some people who download/torrent games but today pirated PC gaming is more or less gone.

There's solution is encourage those international legitimate providers like Netflix, Hulu, HBO, etc. to offer their service here at affordable price. I think a lot of people are beginning to realise this and that is why Netflix has been quite successful here.

Look at Steam. There are still some people who download/torrent games but today pirated PC gaming is more or less gone.

yup...  online play required license ... play alone suck nowadays... no more single player

PJ-based company and directors fined RM35,000 in total for owning uncertified Android TV boxes
Read more at https://www.thestar.com.my/tech/tech-news/2...YqzgK1ZFjfWW.99

Two directors of LC Marketing Network Media Sdn Bhd have been ordered to pay an RM10,000 fine each after they pleaded guilty to owning 79 units of non-certified Android TV boxes with the intention to sell them at Digital Mall in Petaling Jaya, Selangor.

Chen Kaiyi, 34, and Yeak Wang Ying, 33, were charged at the Petaling Jaya Sessions Court earlier this week. Their company, LC Marketing Network Media, has also been slapped with an RM15,000 fine.

The charges were filed under Regulation 16 of the Communications and Multimedia (Technical Standards) Regulations 2000, and Section 244 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998.

Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) enforcement and investigation head Datuk Mohd Shafie Harun reminded the public to look out for the Sirim label before purchasing a communication device.

“MCMC urges the people to only purchase and use communications equipment that has been certified by Sirim. If you are unsure, download the Check Your Label mobile app or visit ecomm.sirim.my to ensure that the communications equipment purchased is legitimate and certified,” said Mohd Shafie.
Read more at https://www.thestar.com.my/tech/tech-news/2...YqzgK1ZFjfWW.99

Don't see Thailand, Vietnam or even China crying foul about piracy. More like a trade war and monopoly market using governments to secure their marketshare.

Another thing is, (please don't be angry with me in saying this,) people in Malaysia lack education and realization in how bad piracy is.

1) Since our currency has lack of power, everything becomes expensive. Thus people resulting to pirates.

2) People in Malaysia seems to can't fathom to respect other people's hard work and how expensive for the staffs in making the movies/dramas/tv etc. Imagine you work hard on a project, and somebody just steal your project and make profit on it.

3) People in Malaysia don't care when illegal sellers profit without the true effort. Illegal sellers, they didn't put that much effort, they just steal other people's products, but they earn lots of money.

4) People in Malaysia don't even care, as long as they themselves profit in easy way.
So that's the lack of education part. Also, the environment itself plays a part. If you go to a stricter country, say Japan, they will condemn you for using illegal things and your disrespect towards other people hard work.

That's said, I don't know what's the solution. Our currency is poor, but we want to live like the richest country.. Sorry if I'm mistaken.

No decision yet on Android TV ban, says MCMC

Tuesday, July 23rd, 2019 at , Economy | News

The MCMC urges the people to only purchase and use communications equipment that is SIRIM-certified

by NG MIN SHEN / pic by TMR GRAPHIC

THE Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) will not be imposing a ban just yet on the sale of Android TV boxes in Malaysia, amid recent crackdowns on those found to be in possession of unauthorised streaming devices.

“There’s no decision yet,” MCMC chairman Al-Ishsal Ishak told The Malaysian Reserve when asked if there would be an outright ban on the sale and/or use of Android set-top boxes.

“We’re just doing our job,” he added in response to whether the clampdown foreshadows a full prohibition, as the popularity of the streaming boxes continues to rise among the public.

Media streaming boxes allow users to access both legal and illegal sites on the Internet.

In February, Deputy Communications and Multimedia Minister Eddin Syazlee Shith said the MCMC and the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs (KPDNHEP) are conducting an in-depth study on a potential television (TV) box ban.

“We hope the study will be completed before the end of this year, and until then, there is no ruling to restrict or completely ban the sale of the Android TV box,” Eddin Syazlee said.

In the meantime, Malaysia’s communications and multimedia industry regulator has been ramping up enforcement efforts against illicit TV boxes in recent months, raising the question of whether a total ban is on its way.

It has been reported that local filmmakers are in two minds on whether these boxes should be banned, as some argued that users could still find ways to stream the content via other means.

In that same month, the MCMC had blocked access to 246 illegal content streaming sources that provide illegal streaming content through Android TV boxes. It stated that the move is part of the MCMC’s effort to curb content piracy in the country.

In April this year, a couple and their company were charged by the MCMC’s head of prosecution in the Sessions Court for selling non-standard Android TV boxes.

This was the first case brought against non-standard Android TV box vendors since Gobind Singh Deo took office as the communications and multimedia minister in May 2018. The most recent charge before April was in September 2017.

Following the April case, four businessmen were charged in June for possessing and selling unlicensed Android TV boxes and audio-video sender equipment. The four were fined a total of RM70,000.

Just two weeks ago, LC Marketing Network Media Sdn Bhd and two of its directors were then charged in the Petaling Jaya (PJ) Sessions Court for owning 79 units of non-certified Android TV boxes with the intention of selling the boxes at Digital Mall, PJ. The company and its directors were fined a total of RM35,000.

In its July 12 statement announcing the charges brought against LC Marketing, the MCMC said it’s “continuing its enforcement action against anyone who owns and sells non-certified communications devices”.

It said the usage of non-certified communications equipment could cause frequency disruptions to communications networks and affect service quality.

“The MCMC urges the people to only purchase and use communications equipment that has been certified by SIRIM Bhd (a government-owned industrial research and technology organisation),” the regulator added.

Just a month prior to Eddin Syazlee’s statement, Singapore’s Law Ministry said it’s considering passing new laws to ban the sale of illegal streaming boxes that allow consumers to access pirated content.

In November last year, Singapore’s High Court ordered Internet service providers to block access to TV box applications that allow streaming and downloads of content like films, TV series and live sports channels, citing copyright infringement issues.

Android set-top boxes have become increasingly popular over the past two to three years, owing to their relatively cheap prices versus that of traditional pay-TV subscriptions.

The devices also offer vast selections of content, often including the latest movies and TV shows, and are widely available in physical stores, as well as online retail platforms.

Hong Leong Investment Bank Bhd in an earlier note said Astro Malaysia Holdings Bhd is clearly the most affected by the proliferation of TV boxes, as evident in its declining premium subscribers over the last three years.

It said Astro holds about 77% of the domestic pay-TV market, while the rest is controlled by Telekom Malaysia Bhd through unifiTV.

Speaking to reporters in January this year, Al-Ishsal said the sale and ownership of streaming boxes that allow consumers to access pirated content is illegal in Malaysia.

On the technical side, the set-top boxes require SIRIM approvals, while the content itself would fall under the Copyright Act 1987 if it contains elements of copyright infringement, Al-Ishsal said, adding that the matter involves various ministries, including the KPDNHEP.
https://themalaysianreserve.com/2019/07/23/...-ban-says-mcmc/

All those sellers must be smart also.. dont put ads such as potong u punya ast*o.. kanina.. or watch ast*o at lower price.. this iptv, android box.. last time was supposed to be underground.. now too exposed until got one fella damn bloody stupid promote the 'aotg slot' on official astr*o fb page..

Just the first reason, we already know that our country currency not just only low. 80% of citizens are getting their salary below RM3,000. In Singapore at least got SGD3,000. Everything imported goods are expensive except foods. We buy a phone for RM3,000 but people in Singapore buy a phone in the same price for just SGD1,000. Just 1/3 of their salary, we are 100% of our salary.

it's really sad.. Makes me wanna scream "life is unfair".

Malaysia is 1/3 poorer than those countries, but sadly we dont sustain on our own products.. Almost every prices even in simple malls, are somewhat the same, or maybe even higher, with the prices in overseas malls.

So sad & crushing.

There's solution is encourage those international legitimate providers like Netflix, Hulu, HBO, etc. to offer their service here at affordable price. I think a lot of people are beginning to realise this and that is why Netflix has been quite successful here.

Look at Steam. There are still some people who download/torrent games but today pirated PC gaming is more or less gone.

Astro to benefit from MCMC's focus on content piracy
ANALYST REPORTS
Thursday, 22 Aug 2019

KUALA LUMPUR: Astro Malaysia Holdings
image: https://cdn.thestar.com.my/Themes/img/chart.png

Bhd stands to benefit from the Malaysia Communications & Multimedia Commission (MCMC) chairman's pledge to battle content piracy.

In a recent briefing, MCMC chairman Al-Ishsal Ishak said he will ramp up efforts to combat content piracy starting October 2019.

This will narrow Astro's decline in TV subscription revenue if not driving it to recover altogether, said Maybank Investment research in a note.

According to the research house, Al-Ishsal told analysts that the Customs Department, Royal Malaysian Police, Ministry of Domestic Trade & Consumer Affairs and MCMC already meet regularly to plan on how to combat content piracy.

"While details were lacking, the conversation seems to confirm our earlier understanding that MCMC and the content providers (e.g. ASTRO) are in discussion with the 21 internet service providers in Malaysia to deny internet access to Android TV boxes," said Maybank.

The research house added that it hopes the MCMC will also investigate e-commerce websites that sell Android TV boxes and even ban Android TV boxes altogether.

Maybank maintained its buy call on Astro with an unchanged target price of RM1.72.

Read more at https://www.thestar.com.my/business/busines...oQdO2UYBkPOl.99

https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/reta...obox=1572445233

Retailer fined for helping buyers access pirated content over Android TV boxes; jail term for its director

SINGAPORE - A retailer and its director have been convicted of infringing copyright by helping people access pirated content via Android TV boxes.

The landmark victory against piracy here came after a 22-month court battle.

Synnex Trading was on Wednesday (Oct 30) ordered to pay a fine of $160,800, and its director Jia Xiaofeng was sentenced to 12 weeks in jail and fined $5,400.

He pleaded guilty to four criminal charges for "wilfully authorising copyright infringement of copyrighted works for commercial gain" by selling Android TV boxes loaded with apps that provided unauthorised access to programmes including English Premier League matches, movies and National Geographic documentaries on Fox's cable channels.

The charges also touched on 104 media boxes specifically adapted for making copies of the copyrighted content in 2017 at Synnex's Geylang Road shop.

In April this year, trading firm An-Nahl and its director Abdul Nagib Abdul Aziz were fined $1,200 after pleading guilty to one criminal charge of copyright infringement.

The two directors and firms were dragged to court together in January last year in an unprecedented move against piracy by pay-TV operators Singtel and StarHub, entertainment titans Fox Networks Group and the Premier League.

On Wednesday, Premier League director of legal services Kevin Plumb said: "This sentencing shows that this is not a grey area, and that selling these devices is against the law."

Android media set-top boxes are widely sold in Sim Lim Square and are also available at top electronics stores.

New laws planned to ban sale of media streaming boxes with add-on services
They sell for as little as $200 apiece, and many often come preloaded with apps that stream content from different online sources including Netflix, Hulu and YouTube.

The sentencing comes ahead of new laws that will be tabled in Parliament in the next few months to ban the sale of media streaming boxes with "add-on" services that help consumers to access pirated content.

The new laws are the result of a three-year review by the Ministry of Law and the Intellectual Property Office of Singapore of local copyright laws.

Copyright holders have found it difficult to resort to many of the usual legal avenues created in the DVD era against set-top box retailers that benefit from the sale of add-on services.

"While this case now establishes that the sale of such Android TV boxes is illegal, the law is still unclear whether it is legal to use the boxes," said lawyer Wong Siew Hong of Eldan Law.

Mr Yann Courqueux, vice-president of home product at StarHub, said that the pay-TV operator believes that the ruling "will serve as a significant deterrent to potential retailers looking to market products which facilitate copyright infringement and hurt the creative industry".