Super Channel Files Application for an Injunction to End Sale of Pirate Devices

Move Will Protect Consumers, Support Canadian Jobs

EDMONTON, AB, March 3, 2021 /CNW/ - Allarco Entertainment, parent company of Canadian pay-television provider Super Channel, has filed an application for an injunction with the Court of Queen's Bench of Alberta. They have asked the court to order four Canadian retailers to immediately stop selling set-top boxes that are designed to illegally pirate television programming — including Super Channel's.

The retailers named in the injunction are Staples, Best Buy, London Drugs and Canada Computers. Super Channel also filed a lawsuit in 2019 calling on these retailers to stop selling the devices. The suit is still pending.

In filing the suit, Super Channel published videotape evidence of retailers counselling customers on how to use the set-top boxes to illegally pirate television programming.

"It shouldn't be the business of one Canadian business to hurt another Canadian business," says Don McDonald, President and CEO of Super Channel. "We would never tolerate a retailer openly selling a device to help someone defeat security surveillance and shoplift. But that's exactly what's happening, and we're asking the court to put an immediate stop to it."

McDonald added, "This is not a victimless crime. Piracy hurts the Canadian television industry and costs Canadian jobs."

During its investigation, Super Channel also discovered that many of these pirate devices, most of which are made in China, are pre-loaded with malware that can access consumers' home networks and private data without their knowledge.

"These boxes are really digital-theft devices, and what they're stealing is data about you and your family," says Dr. Eric Cole, an expert on cyber security who consulted on the lawsuit.

"People are putting themselves at real risk, and they don't even know it," says McDonald. "We hope to get the word out to people through this lawsuit, and by asking for this injunction."

View the video evidence obtained by Super Channel here.

None of the allegations have been proven in court.

Note: Members of the media who require access to court proceedings can find more information here: https://www.albertacourts.ca/qb/resources/media

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About Super Channel Entertainment Network

Super Channel is a national pay television network, offering subscribers exceptional entertainment value, uncut and commercial-free, with four diverse channels – Super Channel Fuse, Super Channel Heart & Home, Super Channel Vault and GINX Esports TV Canada – plus, access to Super Channel On Demand where available by service provider.

Super Channel's mission is to entertain and engage Canadian audiences by providing a unique and exclusive entertainment experience.  With a core foundation of integrity and accountability, we dedicate ourselves to implementing innovative programming strategies and unparalleled teamwork that provides viewers with exceptional value and variety.

Super Channel is owned by Allarco Entertainment 2008 Inc., an Edmonton-based media company.

For a list of service providers, please visit: superchannel.ca/subscribe

SOURCE Super Channel

Karman Wong, KPW Communications, [phone], [email protected]; Kim Ball, Super Channel - Chief Communications Officer, [phone], [email protected]