The BBC plans to find ways to use iPlayer to locate UK households that haven’t paid for a TV licence.
The broadcaster is working on ways to link individuals’ BBC accounts to households to help understand the value its customers get from the TV licence, and also identify where a TV licence may be needed.
This move could mean up to 40 million online BBC accounts are linked to homes for the first time, making it easier to spot households that are accessing iPlayer despite not holding the £174.50-a-year TV licence.
It’s understood the broadcaster is developing a way to use online data - email addresses, dates of birth, and postcodes - to see which homes haven't paid for the TV licence and are dodging the fee.
Changes in TV licence fees over the years
Can you be fined for not paying for a TV licence?
Those found without a TV licence when they should have one could receive a fine of up to £1,000.
Just over 25,000 people were handed a fine in the year ending 2024, down from 35,813 the year before.
Concessions are available to people over 75 who are receiving pension credit, as well as blind people, those who live in qualifying residential care and are disabled or over 60, and businesses that provide overnight accommodation.
The BBC says it has a duty to collect the licence fee and enforce the law, and a TV Licence is needed to watch any live TV (excluding S4C) and BBC iPlayer.
It added that when it has reason to believe an unlicensed household is evading, it will send targeted communications, including letters or emails, if it has an email address for the customers.
Top 10 best British TV series
When do I need a TV Licence?
You do not need a TV Licence to watch:
- streaming services like Netflix and Disney+
- on-demand TV through services like All4 and Amazon Prime Video
- videos on websites like YouTube
- videos or DVDs
You do need a TV Licence if you:
- watch or record live TV on any channel or service
- use BBC iPlayer
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A TV Licensing spokesperson told Newsquest: “We always look at ways to improve how we collect the licence fee.
“This includes using the data available to us to get a better understanding of viewing habits and use of BBC services.”
The BBC collected £3.8 billion from sales of more than 23 million TV licences in 2024/25, but around £550 million is thought to have been lost through evasion.
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