UK authorities are on another big push to stop illicit streaming via Fire TV Sticks.
Streaming content without going through official providers continues to gain popularity and it’s not surprising why. UK homes can buy so-called ‘dodgy’ Fire TV Sticks online and get instant access to sports and movies without paying the usual high fees. With the cost of living crisis still hurting wallets it’s no wonder so many people are choosing this method to watch telly but it’s not without its risks.
The team at FACT has just warned that those using illicit streaming devices “risk facing serious consequences”. That alert has been issued after a massive crackdown recently took place across the whole of the UK.
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.
Along with those warnings, a 42-year-old man from Newport was also arrested and array of telly-watching gadgets confiscated for orensic examination.
FACT has also confirmed that a number of takedown requests to social media platforms and online marketplaces, have been issued which it hopes will further disrupting illegal IPTV activity.
Courts are increasingly imposing severe penalties for illegal streaming operations, particularly those who do not heed warnings. Last month, a private prosecution undertaken by the Premier League resulted in Jonathan Edge, a 29-year-old from Liverpool, receiving a three-year and four-month prison sentence for selling and using illicit Firesticks.
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 Stics?
These ‘dodgy’ devices have become increasingly popular in recent years with them offering a simple way of watching premium content without paying high subscription fees.
Most come pre-loaded with access to illegal movie and sports streams, which can then be watched for a small monthly or yearly fee. It sounds enticing but it comes with some serious warnings.
Although it’s unlikely consumers will ever face prosecution or jail, this way of watching TV can expose homes to nasty malware along with showing unprotected content that could be inappropriate for younger children.
