Amazon to start blocking illegal streaming through 'dodgy' apps from today
The days of tuning into your favourite shows for free with 'dodgy' Fire Sticks are done, according to Amazon.
Given that they bypass the need for pricey streaming subscriptions, these doctored devices have proved extremely popular among people feeling the financial pinch.
Watching premium content, which usually comes at a cost on a jailbroken Fire Stick, is illegal - but a lot of folks are still willing to run the risk. The gadgets have been modified to allow users to download third-party applications, also known as unofficial apps, which provide access to paywalled shows and live sports.
These are not available on Amazon's App Store and are usually preloaded onto the dodgy Fire Sticks before being sold to the public.
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But from here on out, the tech giant will be 'blocking' these sketchy apps, which don't boast the same strict security measures that legitimate ones do.
The firm said it is all part of a bid to 'support creators and protect customers', as well as helping people avoid the risk of 'malware, viruses and fraud'.
"Piracy is illegal, and we’ve always worked to block it from our Appstore," an Amazon spokesperson told The Sun, adding that these new measures will be rolled out across the globe from Friday (31 October).
"Through an expanded program led by the Alliance for Creativity and Entertainment (ACE), a global coalition fighting digital piracy, we’ll now block apps identified as providing access to pirated content, including those downloaded from outside our Appstore.
"This builds on our ongoing efforts to support creators and protect customers, as piracy can also expose users to malware, viruses, and fraud."
Users will be greeted by a message explaining that the app has been blocked if Amazon flags it as unofficial, and as a result, viewers will be unable to access it, according to reports.
It won't impact your streaming experience if your Fire Stick is legit, as you can still download official applications, such as Netflix and Disney+, from the App Store.
These will continue to work as usual, so Brits will only run into a problem if they are relying on bogus apps.
What are the risks of using unofficial apps?
Anti-piracy group BeStreamWise issued a warning about the dangers of these dodgy apps earlier this year, warning that people 'are opening themselves up to multiple risks'.
"Some of which include identity theft, fraud, viruses and dangerous malware," a spokesperson said. "Illegal streaming sites, apps and devices are often used to deliver dangerous malware to the user’s device.
"The risk increases significantly when people exchange credit or debit card information to purchase a jailbroken device or subscription.
"By sharing these details, consumers are giving criminals direct access to sensitive financial information.
"Devices that are connected to your TV and home network can give criminals 24-hour access to your data and beyond, without your knowledge."
Industry expert Paolo Pescatore said that although there will 'inevitably be some backlash', Amazon's latest crackdown on dodgy Fire Sticks will make things safer for streamers.
But he warned that the 'broader problem' at hand is the 'escalating subscription fees' that platforms are charging punters.
The tech analyst at PP Foresight said: "Broadcasters are spending more to secure live sports rights and passing these costs onto consumers who can’t afford them, leading to a messy, fragmented experience.
"The privacy problem can only be solved by a cohesive effort by everyone, from glass to glass, including telecom companies that own the pipe and block any potential illegal streams.
"All parties need to lobby regulators hard and improve takedown notices,” the tech expert explained.
"The need for immediate action during live events is critical, as delays can result in significant revenue losses, damaged reputations, and threats to consumers through cybercrime."
Earlier this month, Amazon unveiled its new Fire TV Stick 4K Select to consumers, which operates on an in-house Amazon system named Vega.
Switching from the old Android operating systems means that hackers will find it difficult or near impossible to download 'sideloaded' apps onto the devices, so it's no wonder the tech giant is now stamping this out across the board.
Topics: Amazon, Amazon Prime, Technology, Entertainment, TV and Film
Olivia Burke