Fire TV Stick owners have been warned to be on alert amid a crackdown on dodgy forms of the devices, which can be retrofitted to become dodgy – with the punishment for using them going up
A major crackdown on Amazon Fire TV Stick users accessing free streams has been announced, with industry experts calling it a “welcome step”.
Owners of the popular devices are being urged to stay vigilant as authorities clamp down on modified Fire TV Sticks, which can be altered to access illegal content.
The move to restrict side-loading has been described as a “welcome step in tackling the growing threat of illegal streaming apps,” according to FACT Chairman Kieron Sharp, who spoke to GB News.
Sharp explained: “Amazon’s move to block sideloading on the latest Fire TV Stick is a welcome step in tackling the growing threat of illegal streaming apps. These unverified services aren’t just unlawful, they expose users to serious risks, including data theft, malware and fraud.
“FACT continues to run nationwide cease-and-desist campaigns targeting sellers and operators of illegal devices, and we’re urging consumers to stay safe by using legitimate platforms.
“Through the BeStreamWise campaign, which FACT supports, we’re helping people understand the risks of illegal streaming and find trusted, legal alternatives.”
Using or distributing ‘jailbroken’ Fire Sticks is illegal. Those caught face a maximum fine of £1,000 – rising to £2,000 for residents in Guernsey, reports Birmingham Live.
FACT confirmed it “constantly monitors the digital landscape to combat illegal streaming activities in the UK and Ireland.
“We utilise a range of methods to identify individuals engaged in unauthorised businesses that offer access to illegal streams,” the organisation stated.
“One of these methods is through our partnership with Crimestoppers to make it as easy as possible to report illegal streaming, and over the past year, we have seen a significant increase in the number of reports directly linked to Fire Sticks and illegal streaming.
“These reports are then investigated by our Intelligence Unit, and followed up with a rolling programme of action which includes issuing ‘Cease and Desist’ letters and conducting nationwide ‘Knock and Talks’.
“These home visits, undertaken in conjunction with law enforcement, serve to inform individuals about their activities and the immediate need to cease and desist or face further action or prosecution.
“We also work in close collaboration with law enforcement to gather further evidence to actively pursue legal actions against these criminal entities.”