More and more people across the UK are turning to 'dodgy' fire sticks as a way of watching their telly but police are determined to bring an end to the world of illegal online streaming.
Law enforcers have issued a fair number of warnings and made examples of many of the people who are supplying the streams with hefty jail sentences, but it seems as if they're now stepping up their efforts to clamp down on anyone who uses them.
What is a 'dodgy' fire stick and why are people using them?
We probably all know that dad's brother's son's girlfriend who has access to one of the Amazon sticks, which are essentially used as a way of jailbreaking a television and allowing them to watch live television through illegal streams, without the need to pay a subscription fee or even have a TV license.
It's no surprise that the devices are particularly popular among sports fans in the UK, given the sheer number of subscriptions a football fan has to have in order to enjoy all their team's matches, unless you're a Manchester United fan who doesn't have to worry about cup competitions or European football of course.
How will police track down ‘dodgy stick’ users?
After previous suggestions that police would track down users through personal information online, whether it be through texts or emails, it seems as if their sting operation could soon be taken to another level, through the analysis of bank statements.
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Speaking to the Daily Mail, a senior officer involved in the investigation suggested that the force are 'relentless in our determination to stop illegal streaming and bring offenders to justice'.
They explained that if you've made any payments to an illegal fire stick seller, then you could soon find yourself in trouble. Last month, Revolut were ordered to hand over names and addresses of more than 300 ‘dodgy box’ users to Sky, who is taking a particularly active role in these investigations.
This opens the door in the future to Sky and other television companies handing over customers' data to police if their name appears on this list of people paying illegal streamers, and they could then face a visit from a police officer and a potential fine.
What is the punishment for using a ‘dodgy stick’?
While the punishments are far stricter for actually providing the illegal streams rather than just watching them, you could still face a hefty fine - potentially as much as £50k - if you're caught, while you could even be sent behind bars for up to 12 months.
Watching illegal content puts you in violation of the Fraud Act 2006, namely Section 11 which covers 'obtaining services dishonestly' and includes 'knowing the services are made available on the basis that payment has been, is being or will be made for or in respect of them or that they might be; and avoids or intends to avoid payment in full or in part'.
Basically 'you know you had to pay for this and found a way around it'.
Kieron Sharp, chairman of FACT, said: "We have a wide range of enforcement options – from issuing cease and desist notices to ‘knock and talk’ visits, through to full criminal prosecutions where appropriate.
"We will take robust action against those involved – not only targeting sellers and distributors, but also those facilitating and profiting from the illegal activity.’
And it shouldn't just be the the long arm of the law that should put you off getting a dodgy box, as you may also be targeted by the sellers themselves.
The police officer explained: "The high-tech crooks can also harvest your personal information if they install malware on the sticks – which is done when you plug the dodgy software into the back of your TV to access streaming channels via your internet connection.
"Spyware software on the stick is able to read the personal information you provide and can lead to identity theft, where information about you – such as name, address, date of birth, credit card numbers and subscription login codes."
Topics: TV, UK News, Amazon, Technology
James Moorhouse