As Amazon makes changes to attempt to block illegal streaming, it’s worth making sure you’ve been staying on the right side of the law.
Last year saw the introduction of a tight crackdown across the UK as ‘dodgy sticks’ were seized, and arrests were made.
The Federation Against Copyright Theft (FACT) spearheaded an operation last winter as a man was jailed for selling and using the ‘jailbroken’ devices which give users access to any streamer they want.
Obviously, these devices are a bit of a mare for companies like Amazon as their Fire Sticks come at a cost with the streamers available on those for subscribers. And while getting a modified stick might seem appealing and not technically illegal, it is illegal to stream paywalled content for free.
Amazon’s preventative measures
The tech company recently announced its new Fire TV Stick 4K Select, which will operate on an in-house Amazon system named Vega, a change from the old Android operating systems.
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And this swanky upgrade basically means hackers will struggle or simply find it impossible to add 'sideloaded' apps onto the devices. That’s when someone uploads software onto the device that isn't on the official app store, meaning they can get access to media for a lot less.
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Sideloading is still somewhat possible, but the new system means it’s likely to cause a shift as experts reckon hackers may just switch to non-Amazon devices to carry on with their black market dealings.
It’s also said Amazon will disable ‘piracy’ apps which were sideloaded and a warning may appear reading: "This app has been disabled because it can put your device or personal data at risk," per TorrentFreak.
Apps may be described as ‘potentially harmful’, and Fire OS will be updated to outline rules for users. And StreamDiag reports that developers will need to rebuild apps for the new Vega OS software, as any of the ‘APK files' (Android app packages) will not work.
While the new Fire Stick will have better protection, the models dating from before 2024 are believed to be more susceptible to tampering and ‘jailbreaking’.
Regions in the crackdown
While LADbible has contacted FACT for an update, the full list of regions across the UK under the clampdown include:
- London
- Kent
- Sussex
- Norfolk
- Northamptonshire
- Lincolnshire
- Staffordshire
- East and West Midlands
- Greater Manchester
- Cheshire
- Merseyside
- Northumbria
- North Yorkshire
FACT previously warned during a crackdown: “If you’re supplying or using illicit streaming devices or illegal IPTV subscriptions, take this as a clear warning: you are breaking the law and risk facing serious consequences.
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“We will continue working with police to track down and shut down these illegal operations. The police across the UK have been unstinting in their efforts to tackle this criminality and we are grateful for their assistance.”
Kieron Sharp, Chairman of FACT, told LADbible in a statement: “FACT’s enforcement activities against illegal streaming are ongoing throughout the year. Together with our partners and the police, we constantly review new intelligence and target those areas of the UK and Ireland where the data shows that illegal streaming activity is taking place.
"Our investigations are thorough, and we are relentless in our determination to stop illegal streaming and bring offenders to justice. To avoid jeopardising operations that are in progress, we do not share details publicly until enforcement action has been completed.”
Topics: Crime, TV and Film
Jess Battison