£50,000 fine warning to dodgy Amazon Fire TV Stick users

Jamie Brassington & Katie Westwood

11 June 2024 at 2:27 am·3-min read

An Amazon Fire TV Stick — -Credit: (Image: Photothek via Getty Images)

Authorities are cracking down on people who illegally stream TV, with high-profile raids aimed at stamping out the practice.

Since the passing of the Digital Economy Act 2017, providers and viewers of illegal streaming services have been targeted by agencies, including the Police Intellectual Property Crime Unit (PIPCU).

The legislation gave UK authorities more robust tools to aggressively pursue and prosecute those involved in digital piracy. Under copyright law, it is an offence to stream illegally, reports Birmingham Live.

Adapted Fire TV Sticks continue their boom in popularity, with many now offering ways to tune into premium TV - including Sky Sports and Cinema - without paying the usual high price. Criminals are cashing in on this telly-viewing practice with many offering "fully loaded" Fire TV Sticks for a one-off price or small monthly payment.

Perpetrators can face huge fines and imprisonment, with terms up to ten years. Individuals found distributing illegal streams have faced fines upwards of £50,000. Viewers who watch illegal streaming typically face lower fines, but can be fined up to several thousand pounds.

UK police recently targeted sellers in a major crackdown. Raids have taken place across the whole of the country with one person arrested and a further 10 interviewed under caution.

The operation took place in conjunction with FACT and the Premier League with the aim of shutting down illegal streaming. Although users of the actual devices weren't targeted by the action, police are warning about the risks involved of using modified gadgets.

Merseyside Police have vowed to use "all available powers" to crack down on the sale of dodgy fire sticks.

Last week, a dad from Croxteth narrowly escaped prison after pleading guilty to charges of promoting and selling illegally modified fire sticks that offered unauthorised access to premium film and television content, including live football matches.

Kevin O'Donnell, of Altcross Road, Croxteth, was given a two-year suspended sentence at Liverpool Crown Court on June 4. The 41-year-old dad was caught following an investigation by FACT, the federation against copyright theft, and the Merseyside Police Cyber Crime Unit.

People have also been warned of the cyber risks associated with using illegal streaming websites.

Unauthorised sites frequently host malware and other cyber threats that can compromise personal data and damage devices. The security risks associated with illegal streaming are substantial, often resulting in severe data theft or hardware issues for unsuspecting users.

Alex Hemming, a sports analyst from Free Bets Ireland, warns: "The risks associated with illegal streaming of sports in the UK are significant and multifaceted. The potential for hefty fines, criminal prosecution, and personal data compromise makes illegal streaming a risky endeavour. With more legitimate streaming options available than ever, choosing to view sports through official channels is not only the legal choice but the smarter one."

Detective Chief Inspector Emma Warbey, from the Police Intellectual Property Crime Unit (PIPCU) at City of London Police said: “Illegal streaming is a huge issue for the industry and while it may seem like a low-risk, high-reward crime, the proceeds are used to fund other serious forms of criminal activity. At the same time, it can expose end users to the risks of data theft, fraud and malware.

“By targeting grassroots sellers, we are sending out a clear message that this will not be tolerated. PIPCU will continue to work with partners across law enforcement and the industry to take action against those who provide illegal streaming services and protect consumers against the risks associated with using them.”

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