Abu Dhabi hacker faces $1m fine for TV piracy

Published Wednesday, December 21, 2011

By Staff

Abu Dhabi Police have questioned a hacker accused of violating intellectual property rights (IPR) and helping millions of computers users download HD content of the OSN TV network, according to a report in Al Bayan newspaper.

The man, who is a legal OSN subscriber, allegedly set up a website that facilitated the illegal sharing of OSN’s content files. The network said in a statement that it identified 802 breaches by the subscriber, and according to its terms and conditions, the hacker is liable to pay a fine of not less than $1,500 per violation. The network added the value of the fine is up to $962,400 (Dh3.5 million).

The Arabian Anti-Piracy Alliance (AAA) filed a complaint on behalf of the OSN network in the criminal investigation department in Abu Dhabi. The Abu Dhabi Police said the hacker has admitted to the violations, and offered to settle out-of-court by paying an undisclosed sum to the network in order to avoid subsequent legal proceedings that could also lead him to prison.

“Following questioning by the authorities, the Internet pirate made a full confession and agreed to a settlement to avoid any further legal action leading to imprisonment,” OSN said in a statement. “The undisclosed settlement amount serves as a deterrent warning to other offenders who are involved in illegal downloading.”

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