Brits illegally using Fire TV Sticks warned about new risk when streaming Sky for free

UK authorities are cracking down on the use of IPTV and illegally modified Amazon Fire Sticks.

Streaming services are a must for many of us who want to remain in the loop, with digital and cable TV having a new worthy adversary.

Subscriptions to services such as Netflix, Amazon's Prime Video and Disney+ are essential if you want to watch all the hottest new films, but increased subscription prices on these have caused many headaches.

Many people are opposed to the idea of paying these increased fees, though, and these go without adding the likes of Apple TV+ and, if you're a sports fan, TNT Sports/Sky Sports.

The later two are often downloaded with illegal methods through the use of add-ons on Amazon Fire Sticks.

Authorities have previously warned users of doing this, with a potential court date as one of the possible punishments for culprits as they begin to focus on the issue.

It actually isn't against the law to own a modified or hacked firestick, but using it to watch subscription-based TV such as Sky Sports can get you in trouble as it breaks copyright law.

In the past few weeks, 11 people have been brought in by police, with just one being arrested and the rest being given cautions after selling illegal access to premium TV content - this included live Premier League matches on Internet Protocol television (IPTV).

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But this hasn't been enough, as the team of the Police Intellectual Property Crime Unit (PIPCU) at City of London Police, the Premier League, and the Federation Against Copyright Theft (FACT) are still looking to find the perpetrators and warn subscribers.

Detective Chief Inspector Emma Warbey, from the Police Intellectual Property Crime Unit (PIPCU) at City of London Police stated: “Illegal streaming is a huge issue for the industry and while it may seem like a low-risk, high-reward crime, the proceeds are used to fund other serious forms of criminal activity.

"At the same time, it can expose end users to the risks of data theft, fraud and malware.

“By targeting grassroots sellers, we are sending out a clear message that this will not be tolerated."

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Warbey concluded that PIPCU will 'continue to work with partners' to crack down on those selling illegal streaming services to protect consumers.

According to BeStreamWise, one in three people who illegally stream content have been a victim of fraud, scams or identity theft due to it.

Over 2.7 million illegal streamers may also have fallen victim to viruses, which can slow devices down and steal data.