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An urgent warning about Fire Sticks has been issued to all households that are using illegal streaming as massive changes are incoming.
This comes as Amazon vows to clamp down on people using ‘dodgy’ Fire TV Sticks in order to gain access to premium TV channels for free.
This means that any apps that are considered to be unauthorized will be immediately blocked by the firm.
This crackdown has begun across the pond in the UK and is set to come into effect in various parts of Europe.
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Speaking to the Mirror, a spokesperson for Amazon said: “Piracy is illegal, and we’ve always worked to block it from our Appstore. Through an expanded programme led by the Alliance for Creativity and Entertainment (ACE), a global coalition combating digital piracy, we’ll now block apps identified as offering access to pirated content, including those installed from outside our Appstore.
Illegal TV streaming service convictions https://t.co/yS9ZwQ8csX
— FACT (@factuk) April 29, 2024
“This builds on our ongoing efforts to support creators and protect customers, as piracy can also expose users to malware, viruses and fraud.”
This update is set to stamp out any dubious Fire Sticks that have been tampered with to unlock access to channels without paying for them.
However, some experts are warning that while this might save you some bucks now, the practice could end up costing you in the long run.
Sebastien Lahtinen, who is the director of Thinkbroadband.com, said: “With household budgets under real pressure, we’re seeing people take risks they wouldn’t normally consider, including turning to dubious IPTV boxes.
“The issue is that these devices often contain unknown software that can be used to install malware, harvest personal data, or even hijack your internet connection for botnets. Trying to save a few pounds a month can end up creating major cybersecurity problems.”
The Federation Against Copyright Theft (FACT) previously warned that supplying or using illicit streaming devices is ‘breaking the law and risk facing serious consequences’.
Kieron Sharp, Chairman of FACT, told LADbible Group in a statement: “FACT’s enforcement activities against illegal streaming are ongoing throughout the year.
"Together with our partners and the police, we constantly review new intelligence and target those areas of the UK and Ireland where the data shows that illegal streaming activity is taking place.
"Our investigations are thorough, and we are relentless in our determination to stop illegal streaming and bring offenders to justice.
"To avoid jeopardising operations that are in progress, we do not share details publicly until enforcement action has been completed.”
