Retailers are cracking down on ‘dodgy’ Amazon Firestick users who are illegally streaming content.
A standard Firestick costs just £34.99 from Amazon, with many shoppers using them legally, simply to upgrade their TVs and watch the platforms they’re subscribed to.
However, in recent years there has been an increase of people getting their hands on modified versions of the sticks, which allow them to watch any channels without paying monthly fees.
The illicit streams, provided by IPTV services, work by users downloading an app which provides access, then paying a fixed subscription fee to the developers for the pay-for services.
IPTV, or internet protocol TV, refers to the provision of content through an IP rather than a traditional TV stream.
Retailers are cracking down on ‘dodgy’ Amazon Firestick users who are illegally streaming content from a variety of costly services and subscriptions such as Netflix or Sky
But as subscription services such as Amazon and Sky work to try and cut down on illegal streaming, cybercrime experts are also warning providers could be covertly stealing people’s personal data and selling it on for profit.
It comes as users could also face prosecution – after Sky teamed up with trading standards to threaten those providing the services with arrest unless they cease their activities.
Federation Against Copyright Theft (FACT UK) are attempting to crack down on the matter in a big way by sending cease and desist letters as well as turning up on the doorsteps of those who are suspected of illegally streaming content.
Firms previously warned they are cracking down on the rise of illegal streaming, with users being cautioned they could face a knock on the door from police.
Copyright laws mean those found to be fraudulently receiving transmissions can be sentenced to up to 10 years in prison and face a hefty fine.
However, many people won’t be aware of a little-known legal way that Amazon Firestick customers can watch thousands of movies and TV shows for free.
An app called ‘Freevee,’ which is run by Amazon, offers a selection of content for no extra cost to the user.
The app store description reads that you can ‘watch thousands of hit movies, shows, Freevee Originals, and live 24/7 entertainment channels to match your mood.’
Some households use the devices to watch content from subscription services such as Netflix or Sky Sports illegally for a fraction of the price
Downloading apps which offer the services is not illegal, but using them to stream the copyrighted content is
It’s rated 4.7 stars on the Apple App Store and 4 stars on Google Play, amassing millions of downloads.
The ad-supported video streaming service is available in the United Kingdom and Channel Islands.
You can stream content on Amazon Freevee using the Freevee app on the following devices:
- Fire TV
- Android TV devices
- Google TV
- Apple TV (4th & 5th Generation)
- Android mobile devices
- iOS devices (such as iPhones and iPads)
- PlayStation 4
- PlayStation 5
- Fire tablets
You can also stream content on Amazon Freevee from your web browser and through the Freevee Channel on the Prime Video app.
Speaking about those choosing to illegally stream content, a spokesperson for Fact UK said: ‘Fact constantly monitors the digital landscape to combat illegal streaming activities in the UK and Ireland.
‘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 Firesticks 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.’