In recent years, many Brits have started using so-called ‘dodgy’ Amazon Fire TV Sticks to watch their favourite films, shows, and sports. With the cost-of-living continuing to bite, having subscriptions to so many streaming apps can really hit you in the pocket.
So it is not surprising that the number of UK households going outwith the official providers to catch up on their content is increasing. Using a ‘dodgy’ stick, however, is illegal and can pose a huge risk to those doing it, The Mirror reports.
The team at FACT has released a warning to Brits using unlawful streaming methods after a recent crackdown on the illicit activity across the UK. In a series of raids across a fortnight, over 30 suppliers of pre-loaded Fire TV Sticks were targeted.
They were ordered to stop selling the devices immediately or risk further action. Furthermore, a 42-year-old man from Newport was arrested and had alleged illegal gadgets seized by police.
FACT has also revealed that social media channels and online marketplaces have been hit with takedown requests, in a bid to further disrupt the illegal activity. Courts have also imposed severe penalties for those involved in dodgy streaming. Jonathan Edge, 29, was last month jailed for more than three years for selling and using the sticks after a private prosecution undertaken by the Premier League.
Speaking about the new crackdown, Kieron Sharp, CEO FACT said: “Our cease-and-desist measures are not just warnings—they are the first step toward holding offenders accountable. Many who ignored these notices in the past are now facing arrest and criminal charges. We strongly advise anyone involved in these activities to stop immediately.
“If you’re supplying or using illicit streaming devices or illegal IPTV subscriptions, take this as a clear warning: you are breaking the law and risk facing serious consequences. We will continue working with police to track down and shut down these illegal operations. The police across the UK have been unstinting in their efforts to tackle this criminality and we are grateful for their assistance.
“To those using illegal streaming services, the message is that you’re not just committing a crime; you are putting yourself at risk. These services often expose users to malware, scams, and data theft, with no recourse when things go wrong. The safest, smartest and only choice is to stick to legitimate providers for your entertainment.”
What are ‘dodgy’ Fire TV Sticks?
These increasingly-popular devices offer users a chance to watch premium content without paying various subscription fees. Most come with a huge cache of films and TV shows, as well as sports streams.
The fees paid for the service are far below the monthly costs of having accounts with various streaming giants and sports channels. Although you are unlikely to be jailed purely for streaming in this way, it is still illegal and can also expose your homes to nasty malware, as well as showing unprotected content that could be inappropriate for younger children.
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