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Laws on whether someone can go to prison for streaming Premier League illegally on Amazon Fire Stick

Laws on whether someone can go to prison for streaming Premier League illegally on Amazon Fire Stick

Those caught distributing illegally streamed content could serve time behind bars

Telly-watchers using Amazon Fire Sticks to illegal stream exclusive content could face prison time due to a law against 'obtaining services dishonestly'.

Millions of users are using the illegally modified devices to gain access to premium outlets, including Sky Sports in order to stream the Premier League.

Also content from the likes of Netflix, Amazon Prime and Disney+ was found to have also been illegally streamed by plenty of users - with the amount of reports 'significantly' increasing over the past 12 months in the UK.

In fact, a 2022 survey found that 19 percent of those interviewed admitted to having illegally downloaded content in the last three months - with many admitting to doing so by using a modifed Amazon Fire Stick.

And while it isn't illegal to own these modified bits of tech, it is against the law to stream content without paying.

This had led the Federation Against Copyright Theft (FACT UK) to roll out cease and desist letters - as well as send officials to the doorsteps of illegal streamers.

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.

People have been whistleblowing on their neighbours for having illegal sticks.
Getty Stock Image

"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 Fire Sticks 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.

You could find yourself in court for breaking copyright law.
Chris Ryan/Getty

"We also work In close collaboration with law enforcement to gather further evidence to actively pursue legal actions against these criminal entities."

And anyone caught doing so could be looking at some swift punishments.

The illegal streaming is in violation of the Fraud Act 2006 - which according to Section 11, those found guilty of 'obtaining services dishonestly' could face a 12 month spell in prison.

Alternatively, these illegal streamers who've committed a more serious offence could face a maximum of five in prison in cases.

Although, viewing illegally streamed content is not very likely to end up with the person in prison, those who are caught distributing this material have been convicted and jailed.

LADbible has previously contacted FACT UK and Amazon for comment.

Featured Image Credit: Pixabay/Wikimedia Commons

Topics: Crime, Sport, Football, Premier League, Amazon, TV and Film