Likelihood of you going to prison if caught with a 'dodgy' Fire Stick in UK

Look, I’m not saying you need to admit it but let’s be honest, if we don’t have one ourselves, we all at least know someone who has a ‘dodgy’ Fire Stick.

The illegal versions of the popular Amazon products typically give users instant access to the likes of ‘unlimited live channels’, as well as streamers such as Netflix and Disney+.

Plenty of people across the UK illegally stream TV, whether it’s via IPTV (Internet Protocol television) or with one of these dodgy sticks, but a crackdown is putting a stop to it.

Many Brits use a ‘jailbroken’ remote, which isn’t just illegal but can also cause permanent damage to your actual device.

Across the country, authorities are cracking down on this kind of activity including having people questioned by the police.

IPTV is often used to illegally access copyrighted films, shows, and premium live TV (Getty Stock Images)

So, it’s very much recommended that if you are using an illegal device or streaming illegally, you put a stop to it immediately.

And barrister Lynette Calder spoke to the Sun, asking Brits: “Why take the risk?”

The lawyer explained that charges will depend on the severity of your crime, but you could end up with an unlimited fine issued to you by a magistrate.

Plus, here’s the biggie, more serious cases of people owning a jailbroken fire stick could actually end up leading to a prison sentence of up to 12 months.

"For more serious and organised offending that went to the crown Court you are talking a maximum of up to 10 years in prison if the charge is under section 7 or 5 years for section 6 and 11,” Calder added.

"Why take the risk? If you can’t afford the streaming service for Premier League then why not find yourself a pub that can. That way the added bonus is a pint, not a £2500 fine."

Brits use 'dodgy' sticks to access TV services. (Getty stock)

Intellectual property lawyer Samuel O’Toole also told MailOnline the consequences surrounding copyright. "If someone is using a 'jailbroken' fire stick, they are infringing copyright by viewing content without paying the appropriate licence fee,” he said.

"Copyrighted material is personal property. It was created and owned by someone and cannot be used without their permission."

The lawyer described a ‘significant penalty’ as 10 years in prison but notes this would be for ‘criminal gangs, the bigger fish’.

"Although, the copyright holder could take a home streamer to the Intellectual Property and Enterprise Court. There you could pay £60,000 in costs and if you lose you will pay the other side's costs and compensation as well,” he said.

"Companies will see if the infringer has money and assets before taking such a case.”

So, the likelihood of you actually going to prison is pretty low but you could end up losing out on a lot of cash - or your belongings.