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Topics: Crime, TV And Film, Netflix, Amazon
Rhianna Benson
Topics: Crime, TV And Film, Netflix, Amazon
Officials have issued a very serious warning to users of Amazon Fire Sticks following a surge in telly-watchers using the devices to illegally stream TV.
A crackdown is now officially in place to prosecute those who refuse to stop, being that to fraudulently use the sticks is considered to be breaking the law.
Streaming service bosses have discovered that millions of illegal users are using the devices to gain access to premium content across the likes of Netflix, Amazon Prime, Disney+ and Sky Sports.
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Now, however, if you're caught breaking copyright law, you could be buying yourself a one-way ticket to court.
A 2022 survey found that 19 percent of those interviewed confessed to having illegally downloaded TV content in the last three months - a huge proportion of whom admitted to doing so using illegally modified Amazon Fire Sticks.
Though owning a 'hacked' version of these devices - which usually retail for between £38 and £70 - isn't technically against the law, using it to watch popular streaming service shows is absolutely prohibited.
According to the Federation Against Copyright Theft (FACT UK), more and more telly fans are turning in those who they know illegally stream content via Fire Sticks and other devices in order to gain access to the shows the know and love.
Following an increase in reports over the last 12 months, FACT UK have been rolling out cease and desist letters, and officials have even been rocking up on the doorsteps of illegal streamers after neighbours have been blowing the whistle on those living around them.
It's not just illegal to stream these services, it can also significantly risk your personal data.
"FACT constantly monitors the digital landscape to combat illegal streaming activities in the UK and Ireland," a spokesperson for the corporation said in a statement.
"We utilise a range of methods to identify individuals engaged in unauthorised businesses that offer access to illegal streams."
"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."
LADbible Media Group contacted FACT UK and Amazon for comment.