Why do I need a password to sign in to BBC iPlayer and when did the new rules come into force?
BBC iPlayer users now need a password before they can watch on-demand TV shows on phones, tablets and laptops.
Viewers were encouraged to sign up and create a BBC account from May and now the rules have come into effect and it is mandatory to have an account. But why? And what happens if you don't create one? Here's the info...
Why do I need to log into BBC iPlayer? When did the new rules come into force?
Users need to log in to access content on the iPlayer in order to prove the viewer has a TV licence.
Previously, users were simply asked if they had a licence, and simply clicking on "yes" would give access to content.
But now users are required to sign in or to create an account to access content, and are given the option of setting up an account, with licence details, before proceeding.
It's totally free to set up an account - but you'll need a TV licence for your household.
This is the latest change to the online service as new TV licensing laws introduced last year meant people now need a licence to watch or download BBC programmes on-demand.
Why do I need a password to watch BBC iPlayer?
The BBC said the introduction of a log-in, which was revealed last September, is part of plans to make services “more personal and relevant to you”, said MyBBC launch director Andrew Scott in an online blog.
This will include tailoring programme suggestions to users based on previous choices - as happens on Netflix and other streaming services - and to enable people to start watching a programme on one device before picking up where they left off on their TV.
Mr Scott said the reason for the change "isn't about enforcing the licence fee - it's about giving you a better BBC and helping you get the best out of it".
But the BBC admitted the information provided "can help TV Licensing ensure that people are abiding by the law".
Mr Scott said: "By matching email addresses we may be able to identify someone who has told us they don't need a TV licence while at the same time having signed in and watched iPlayer.
"So we will now use this alongside our existing enforcement techniques to help identify people who are watching licence fee-funded content without a licence."
Watching TV without a licence is a criminal offence and you could be fined up to £1,000 as punishment.
If you want to only enjoy other on-demand services like the ITV Hub, Now TV and All4 online you don't need to pay anything.
What happens if I don't have a licence fee and log in to iPlayer?
Despite bringing in the changes, the BBC has admitted it cannot stop users dodging the licence fee if they use false details to access iPlayer online.
The Metro reported the Corporation had conceded if someone used a fake date of birth or entered someone else's postcode they could access the service.
On the iPlayer website it states: "It is a criminal offence to watch live TV on any channel or BBC programmes on iPlayer without a TV Licence.
"It is also a criminal offence to possess or control a device which you know or reasonably believe will be used to watch live TV on any channel or BBC programmes on iPlayer without a TV Licence."
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