Anyone watching live events on Netflix given major warning about mistake that could land them huge fine

In recent years, Netflix bosses have focused increased attention onto adding live events to the streaming service's already colossal roster - but this could land some viewers in trouble.

We've seen everything from the Screen Actors Guild awards being hosted live on the app, to WWE wrestling matches and stand-up comedy performances. And just this week, subscribers were offered the chance to tune into the world's first live dating series, Pop The Balloon.

Whilst some events are only available to viewers watching from certain countries, the vast majority are accessible from telly-lovers in both the UK and the US.

Though, the times of streaming can sometimes seem odd on either side of the pond, depending on whether the live event is being hosted in Britain or America.

Apparently, however, watching live events on Netflix is a privilege that comes with a fair amount of terms and conditions, with the streamer recently issuing a warning about one risk in particular.

Netflix subscribers have been issued a warning (Catherine Falls Commercial/Getty)

It turns out that, simply being subscribed to the film and TV service isn't enough.

And as such, for Brits to tune into live events - whether UK or US-based - it's important to also have obtained a TV licence, which costs £174.50.

This applies even if viewers insist they have no need to watch regular Freeview television, with the live-occurring element being an integral factor in the super strict rule.

"A TV licence is needed to watch live content on streaming services, watch or record a TV programme on any channel and when using BBC iPlayer," a TV licence spokesperson emphasised last year.

The TV Licensing agency website also emphasises that this rule applies to the 'recording or downloading' of content illegally.

It's important to note, however, that other exclusive Netflix content - including original series, blockbusters and games - don't yet warrant such a licence. Such is also the case on Prime Video and Disney+, alongside fellow streaming services Hulu, Hayu, Now, Freely, etc.

Failing to purchase a TV Licence can result in hefty fines (stockcam/Getty)

But what exactly would happen if you were caught streaming live shows without one?

It turns out, quite a lot.

As well as being forced to cough up as much as a £1,000, refusing to purchase a TV licence for live content could also see you landed in court.

The agency also add that this fine could increase to a maximum of £2,000 for those illegally streaming from Guernsey, 'plus any legal costs and/or compensation you may be ordered to pay'.

"We could visit your address to confirm if you need a TV Licence," the official website goes on to warn.

"If we find that you have been watching, recording or streaming programmes illegally, you risk prosecution and a fine for not having a TV Licence of up to £1,000 plus any legal costs and/or compensation you may be ordered to pay."