Brits using illegal Fire TV sticks warned 'this is just the start' with huge crackdown underway

Let’s be honest, we all know someone who brags about how many channels they’ve got access to on their ‘dodgy stick’ – ok, or at least someone who knows someone.

But that might have decreased over recent months as a huge crackdown began in the UK.

Authorities have been tightening up on the use of IPTV and illegally modified Fire TV sticks, and Brits are now being warned ‘this is just the start’.

In a bid to swerve the fees that the likes of Netflix, Disney+ and Sky Sports come with, many people opt for a modified stick to watch subscription-based TV.

Time to throw out the dodgy sticks. (Nathan Stirk/Getty Images)

However, streaming content you’re not paying for is a break of copyright laws.

The Federation Against Copyright Theft (FACT) recently teamed up with Sky and police forces to target those providing unauthorised access to these types of content with IPTV services and hacked sticks.

And the latest crackdown in a ‘month-long coordinated nationwide surge’ saw home raids and arrests with modified sticks and devices seized.

Various people from across the UK were arrested with 40 illegal IPTV operators caught up in the operation.

Arrests have been made in relation to the use of IPTV and illegal streaming. (Getty Stock Image)

Speaking about this latest crackdown on illegal streams, Kieron Sharp, the FACT Chief Executive, said: "These measures underscore the serious consequences of engaging in such illicit activities.

"We thank the police services involved for their invaluable assistance in this operation, particularly Cheshire, Nottinghamshire and the North East Regional Crime Unit for executing the warrants.

"The rise in illegal IPTV operators using modified Firesticks to unlawfully access premium content is a growing concern."

This not only infringes upon copyright laws but deprives content creators and distributors of their rightful earnings and disrupts the economic balance of the creative industry.

Devices were seized. (FACT/Nathan Stirk/Getty Images)

"FACT and our partners are steadfast in our commitment to disrupt these criminal operations. This is just the start of our enforcement efforts, with more actions planned."

And Matt Hibbert, the Group Director of Anti-Piracy at Sky TV, also added: "The action taken by FACT, police and Sky across the country sends a strong message to those involved in illegal streaming operations that they will be identified, and they will face consequences.

"We are very grateful to our partners for this latest wave of enforcement, and we will continue to work together to protect consumers from the risks of illegal streams.

"To this end, Sky proudly supports educational campaigns, including BeStreamWise.com, which highlights the risks of piracy and directs consumers to safe ways to enjoy the content they love."