Exclusive:
Contrary to popular belief, using a VPN to hide your location doesn’t mean you won’t get caught using a dodgy Fire TV Stick. In an exclusive chat with the Mirror, security expert James Bore explains why
Brits with dodgy Fire TV Sticks have been issued a stark warning over a common misconception.
‘Jail breaking’ devices removes controls which prevent you installing certain software, and despite popular belief, is technically not illegal in itself. However, using the method to then stream or access illegal content (such as subscriptions you haven’t paid for) is against the law.
In fear of their IP address being tracked by police following the recent crackdown on illegal Fire TV Sticks, many Brits have been fooled into thinking a VPN (Virtual Private Network) will prevent them getting into any trouble. VPNs are often used to add an encryption over a public network, and can make it appear as though you’re streaming content from a different location than you actually are.
However, James Bore has busted the myth that a VPN will make you completely undetectable. The Chartered Security Professional and tech expert has been running a family tech and security consultancy which has been around since 1988, so knows a thing or two when it comes to so-called loopholes.
Speaking exclusively to the Mirror, he said: “Some VPNs claim not to keep logs, which makes it harder to trace you. Others genuinely don’t keep logs. Even where they do keep logs, many will require a warrant to access those and other obstacles apply.” Despite this, James added that you should ‘never assume’ your protection is perfect.
In fact, VPN providers themselves are a mixed bag of reputable and disreputable sellers, and it can be hard to tell them apart unless you’re a pro. “Some will provide your activity logs if copyright-holders bring legal pressure or threats against them,” James warned. “Of course, some of the jailbroken devices that you can buy promise security, but you should always remember that the sellers do not care whether or not you are caught – only that you gave them money.”
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As we reported previously, during a fortnight of raids, more than 30 suppliers of pre-loaded Fire TV Sticks were targeted. They have all now been told to stop selling these devices with immediate effect or risk further action. That means fewer of these devices will go on sale, and fewer homes will be able to buy them.
Not only do dodgy Fire TV Sticks risk you landing in hot water, but they could also expose homes to nasty malware along with showing unprotected content that could be inappropriate for younger children. To avoid any legal trouble or inappropriate content, it’s worth sticking to non-tampered Fire TV Sticks, paying your TV Licence if you watch BBC iPlayer or live TV, and paying monthly subscriptions to streaming sites like Netflix and Prime Video.
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