From expats to students, in order for people to use the iPlayer, they will now need to purchase a TV license but the BBC are keen to stress that the changes will only affect households that don't currently hold a license although the impact the new regulation will have on the future of the iPlayer remains to be seen.
At the moment, it's unclear how the BBC will enforce the new rules. This applies to any device and provider you use.
What does on demand mean?
This new law applies to anyone who wishes to download programmes on BBC iPlayer or stream content live, catch up or on demand from the BBC's digital service.
This includes TV sets, tablets, laptops, computers, game consoles and phones.
Major changes to TV Licences will come into effect on September 1.
Students living in shared houses are likely to only need one licence between them, especially if they are renting privately on a joint tenancy.
If you only use iPlayer to listen to the radio, watch S4C TV on demand, or watch films or TV shows you have bought from the BBC Store, then you do not need a TV licence.
What if I need a TV licence but don't get one?
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What if I'm a student?
There are some concessions for the blind and for care home residents, and there is no charge for people over the age of 75.
If you inform TV licensing you do not watch television, enforcement officers may still visit you to confirm this.
Even if you don't own a TV and simply watch iPlayer on your iPhone you will still find yourself in trouble.
You must be covered by a TV Licence to download or watch BBC programmes on iPlayer - live, catch up or on demand.
How much is the current TV licence fee?
Viewers will be prompted to confirm they have purchased a TV licence when they try to watch iPlayer shows on demand. This can lead to prosecution and a fine of up to £1,000.
As long as they didn't hit the "watch live" button this was perfectly legal - but that's changing. Also, for the first time in the 90 years that the BBC have been running, they will now be regulated by an outside body - Ofcom - and modernising the existing system is something that the government deemed as necessary to stop some people from being able to watch programmes without having to pay for them.
TV Licensing Wales spokeswoman Catherine Griffith-Williams said: "Watching catch-up TV is really popular among students and we want to make sure students are aware of the change in law".
