Game of Thrones fans that download the show illegally may have more to worry about than spotting a plot-killing spoiler on social media after it was revealed that broadcaster HBO is looking to axe their internet access if they watch the show from a torrent file.
Home Box Office (HBO) – which is GoT’s network and owner in the United States, is now contacting the internet service providers of offenders who obtain the show through illegal torrent sites and urging action be taken against them. Dependant on how grizzly the ISP’s policies are things could become uglier than the Lannister sibling relations very quickly and could see usage restrictions and even bans placed on the user’s account.
The email sent to ISPs reads in part: “As the owner of the IP address, HBO requests that [ISP] immediately contact the subscriber who was assigned the IP address at the date and time below with the details of this notice, and take the proper steps to prevent further downloading or sharing of unauthorized content and additional infringement notices.”
Game of Thrones which airs on Sky Atlantic here in the UK one day after showing in the U.S., has actually set a record for most pirated show, with the season 3 premiere unlawfully downloaded over 1-million times in just one day when it came out. The piracy has continued in earnest with the show now embarking on its anticipated sixth season and fans eager to find out the fate of beloved character Jon Snow.
Source: Torrent Freak