Illegally downloading pirated content or streaming it through an unauthorized Android box can be dangerous as some of these Android devices could be used as spying tools to collect personal data and other details that could be used for commercial purposes. The ban must also be implemented to curb piracy activities and stop copyright law violations. Perhaps the best way is to make sure that your Android box is a certified device that will not only save you a lot of money. but probably also a prison sentence. On the fence to get a new TV box because you`re worried that owning one is illegal? But what if it`s not true? In a recent ruling, Malaysia`s Supreme Court of Intellectual Property ruled that illegal TV boxes and other streaming devices are illegal. The courts have found that the illegal sale of such devices allows for the unauthorized display of copyrighted content. This decision is likely to curb the sale of illegal TV boxes and other streaming devices. But what does this mean for Malaysian consumers? Does this mean that all streaming devices are illegal? Let`s find out. In short, a person who owns an illegal Android box is likely to face very serious legal action. So, please, invest some time in choosing a TV box that is free of illegal third-party TV apps. This brings us back to why they are actually illegal. This is simply because the contents of these illegal configuration boxes violate intellectual property laws, especially copyright law.

The MCMC, in collaboration with the Ministry of Internal Trade and Consumer Affairs, has tracked down these illegal Android boxes, as most of them provide illegal streaming sites to the public to show movies, documentaries, and decoder news. In Malaysia, you can buy a cheap Android TV box or a high-end box. There are many advantages to using an Android box, such as the fact that live TV channels, movies, documentaries, and news can be streamed legally. Not to mention, it can save you money on car payments or satellite TV subscriptions. But which Android TV Box is best for you? This article aims to answer that question. Do you already own a TV box? In this article, we share all the answers to these questions and how you can check if a TV box is legal. So, if you currently own an Android box and you`re not sure if it`s legal. The question will be now, what if you are caught with an Android box with an illegal network? Section 16(1) of the Communications and Multimedia Regulation Act, 2000 explains this prohibition for sellers who illegally distribute Android boxes in the regulations as follows: In case you`re wondering, having a SIRIM or MCMC label on your TV doesn`t mean you can use it illegally to stream content. This is described in detail on the official MCMC website.

MCMC is currently reviewing the legality of Android TV boxes in Malaysia. The Commission will organise a workshop next month to find concrete solutions to the problem. This could include regulating the use of Android TV boxes or working with manufacturers to prevent pirated downloads. The move follows similar steps by the Singaporean authorities to ban the use of illegal streaming devices. Whether or not the MCMC enforces the ban, it is important to note that it has not banned any other form of streaming. This brings us back to why they are actually illegal. This is simply because the contents of these illegal configuration boxes violate intellectual property protection, especially copyright. The MCMC, in collaboration with the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs, has tracked down these illegal Android boxes, as most of them provide illegal streaming sites to the public to show movies, documentaries, and news via the set-top box. Similarly, it is not uncommon for a TV box to be sold with certain applications that allow the illegal distribution of copyrighted content.

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. 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. To prevent illegal downloading of content from the internet, are Android TV streaming boxes legal in Malaysia? The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) is currently reviewing regulations to address this issue. The Commission is planning a workshop next month to find concrete solutions. While the MCMC cannot regulate content itself, it investigates regulatory interference and works with manufacturers to prevent illegal downloading. In the meantime, it is important to note that the problem is not limited to Malaysia. And finally, if you can freely stream content that legally requires subscription fees, your Android TV box is illegal because it supports piracy. So be sure to buy from authorized sellers like the ones on our list. If you find that they contain a ton of pre-installed apps that allow you to stream content for free from Astro, Netfilx, Youtube, etc.

or even other countries, it`s a red flag that the apps are probably illegal. The answer is simple: yes! However, it`s more complicated than that. Official brands like Xiaomi Mi Box, T9 and Mecool M8S Pro are the few you should keep an eye on. There are many Chinese-made TV boxes that still sell an illegal version of this product. If you run a business that uses TV boxes, we don`t think you`re taking the risk of streaming illegal content with them, as you`re more likely to get caught. The Commission is planning a workshop next month to find concrete solutions. While MCMC cannot self-regulate content, it investigates regulatory interventions and works with manufacturers to prevent illegal downloads. In the meantime, it is important to note that the problem is not limited to Malaysia. But while you may be able to have an Android TV box in your home and use it for illegal streaming, are you willing to take the risk of getting caught? In 2019, a couple was arrested for illegally distributing (selling) Android boxes that did not comply with MCMC regulations.

Be wary of sellers who intentionally (or unknowingly) use misleading language to make it clear that the SIRIM or MC™ label guarantees that you can use the TV box to illegally distribute copyrighted material. Using an Android TV box in Malaysia is completely legal. However, you should definitely check the SIRIM label to make sure it is certified by the manufacturer. Although the SIRIM certification label may seem legitimate, it is not a guarantee of quality. If you find a device with a counterfeit SIRIM label, report it to MDTCA. There is a portal on the MDTCA website to report counterfeit devices. 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. 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. Another thing about illegal Android boxes is that, if they do not carry the approval of the Institute of Industrial Research and Standards (SIRIM), they cannot be used in the country.

SIRIM has been appointed as an authorized regulator to test and approve the use of Android boxes that have come to Malaysia. Thus, if an Android box does not have a SIRIM certificate/logo, it is an unauthorized illegal device. He pointed out that the certification of such media boxes does not apply to applications that enable the illegal dissemination of copyrighted content. Also avoid TVs with pre-installed apps that sound strange, as they can offer pirated movies and illegal services in the country. February 14, 2020 – MCMC warns certified Android TV box providers against illegal streaming (Source: Malaymail) 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.