Amazon makes another drastic move to block people illegally streaming on Fire Stick

Amazon has just launched another blow for anyone who uses a 'dodgy Fire Stick' to watch TV and sports illegally.

Earlier this month, the tech company announced its new Fire TV Stick 4K Select, which operates on an in-house Amazon system named Vega, a change from the old Android operating systems.

The new system essentially means that users would no longer be able to 'sideload apps,' which is where people manually download apps onto the device outside of the official store.

Now, anyone buying the latest model of Fire Stick simply won't be able to use the apps that host the illegal streams.

While it's impossible to say just how many people in the UK are currently using so-called 'dodgy Fire Sticks' to stream content that would otherwise require subscription, most notably football and newer movies, more than half of people consuming pirated content are believed to do so via an Amazon Fire Stick, according to research by Enders Analysis.

Amazon Fire Sticks will no longer allow users to 'sideline' apps (Michael Nagle/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

Now, in a second blow for illegal streamers, it has been announced the new Fire TV 4K Select will also not permit the use of VPNs, blocking users from hiding their identity and location in a bid to avoid detection from internet service providers while engaging in criminal activity.

This move is, however, expected to be temporary as the function should be available with a software update soon, Metro reports.

Meanwhile, FACT, the UK's foremost organisation for protecting intellectual property, has warned against the potential consequences of getting caught streaming content illegally using pirating apps.

The organisation 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.

FACT are currently cracking down on 'dodgy Fire Stick' users (Getty Stock Images)

"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.”

LADbible has contacted Amazon for a comment.