Millions of people use online streaming platforms and Fire TV Sticks are a great way of accessing premium content all in one place.
Millions of people now use online streaming platforms to watch their favourite TV shows, films and live events. Fire TV Sticks are a fantastic way of accessing premium content all in one place.
The device allows users to access various digital content platforms, such as Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney+. Some people modify these devices, known as ‘jailbreaking’.
They do this to access unauthorised content without subscription fees. A crackdown on ‘dodgy’ sticks has ramped up in recent years.
Modifying a Fire Stick involves downloading apps unavailable on the Amazon Appstore. This is done by enabling installations from unknown sources, and many apps used for this purpose facilitate piracy, reports the Liverpool Echo.
People using ‘jailbroken’ gadgets to watch their favourite series can find themselves exposed to hidden malware, explicit pop-up adverts, and even handing their payment details over to cyber criminals, according to experts at McAfee.
FACT, the UK’s leading intellectual property protection organisation has warned that those using illegal streaming devices could face serious repercussions. The organisation, along with police services, is intensifying efforts to prevent suppliers selling unauthorised access to premium content including film, television and live sports.
During a fortnight-long crackdown last year, FACT and police forces targeted 30 suppliers of dodgy IPTV services. The individuals were visited at their homes and sent cease-and-desist warnings through the post, ordering them to stop their illegal operations immediately or risk facing criminal prosecution.
Illegal streaming gadgets are physical devices that connect to your television or USB sticks that plug into the TV, such as modified Amazon Fire sticks and “Kodi” boxes or Android TV boxes. Courts are handing down harsh punishments for illegal streaming operations, especially to those who decide to ignore warnings. Using illegal streaming devices is against the law.
Kieron Sharp, Chairman of FACT, said: “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.”
On its website, FACT has published a list of areas targeted in crackdowns:
- London
- Kent
- Sussex
- Norfolk
- Northamptonshire
- Lincolnshire
- Staffordshire
- East and West Midlands
- Greater Manchester
- Cheshire
- Merseyside
- Northumbria
- North Yorkshire
- South Wales
- North East England
- North West England
