A National Telecommunications Agency (Anatel) and the Hackathon Brazil Community will organize the first TV Box Hackathon. The event aims to create solutions for block the use of unauthorized TV Boxes. Anatel estimates that there are between 5 and 7 million of these devices in use in Brazil, without the agency’s approval, accessing pirated content.
The hackathon will take place on September 28th and 29th, with prizes of R$ 7.000, R$ 3.000 e R$ 2.000 for the top three finishers respectively. More details are available at event website.
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Anatel and its fight against illegal TV Boxes
Legal TV Boxes are devices that use the internet to access applications streaming of content, both paid and free, respecting the Copyright Law. They also allow you to browse the web and use social networks. When buying a TV box, it is essential to check if it has the Anatel seal and the corresponding Homologation Certificate number.
To identify an irregular TV box, see if the advertisement promises free access to many channels and live events without the need for authentication. This usually indicates that the device is not approved, even if it has an approval seal or code, which may be fake.
In 2023, Anatel deactivated 3,900 illegal TV box servers, many during major sporting events. Anatel’s Action Plan to Combat Pirate TV Boxes is internationally recognized.
Registration for the hackathon is open until September 20. On the Hackathon Brasil Community portal, there are tips on preparing for hackathons and a guide for beginners in software development.
How are clandestine devices sold?
These devices are sold illegally in the country, costing around R$400. They access services restricted to subscribers without the need for a subscription and are easily found on large e-commerce sites.
And if you buy a TV Box from a trusted website, such as Amazon or Mercado Livre, could it be pirated? Yes. Anatel has already carried out operations in warehouses of well-known websites, such as Mercado Livre and Amazon.
And if the person insists on using it, can they be prosecuted for it? Anyone who uses a clandestine service commits a civil offense and anyone who sells it may face criminal penalties, as it is an illegal activity. According to article 183 of the General Telecommunications Law, anyone who distributes a signal illegally commits a crime. However, Anatel focuses more on service providers than on users.
A real game of cat and mouse
It is likely that new devices and servers will emerge that are capable of circumventing the new restrictions that the regulatory agency adopts in the future. Anatel plans to continue its work of blocking this equipment on an ongoing basis, in other words, a true game of cat and mouse.
The regulatory agency also warns of the risk of malware being found on pirated TV Boxes. Anatel found malicious software on the boxes that could allow criminals to control the TV Box and capture user data, such as financial information or personal files.
Security flaws have also been detected in application updates, allowing attackers to capture and alter information and install malicious programs. These devices can also be used to hack or disrupt third-party services.
Source: https://www.hardware.com.br/noticias/anatel-concurso-bloqueador-tv-box.html
