Ban on sale of set-top boxes may not stop users

It's business as usual at shops before the new laws against piracy come into force

Streaming set-top boxes, which help consumers access pirated content, are openly promoted and sold at shops at Sim Lim Square. New laws to be tabled this year will ban the sale of such boxes.
Streaming set-top boxes, which help consumers access pirated content, are openly promoted and sold at shops at Sim Lim Square. New laws to be tabled this year will ban the sale of such boxes. ST PHOTO: JASMINE CHOONG
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For the past year, Mr Samuel, 33, has been using a streaming set-top box to watch pirated content - movies and television shows - and live football matches from all over the world.

The price for the programmes: A one-off payment of $99, which he said is "unbelievable".

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on January 19, 2019, with the headline Ban on sale of set-top boxes may not stop users. Subscribe