Illegal TV Fire Sticks and/or ‘dodgy boxes’ are streaming devices that have third-party software installed in them, allowing users to watch premium content from providers such as TNT Sport, Disney+ and Netflix for free.
The use of these devices is a “serious crime”, and police forces across the UK and Ireland, as well as organisations including Crimestoppers and the Federation Against Copyright Theft (FACT), have been attempting to stamp them out.
People who access illegal TV streaming services are potentially liable to prosecution for criminal offences, including under Section 11 of the Fraud Act 2006.
Sky taking “significant” action to stop the use of illegal streaming devices
Sky is another broadcaster impacted by the use of illegal TV Fire Sticks and/or ‘dodgy boxes’, with people using the devices to access paid content for free.
But Sky has warned users that it is taking “significant” action to ensure its content remains protected.
A spokesperson said: “At Sky, we invest significantly in protecting our content, which can include taking action against those who watch Sky without paying the proper subscription fee.
“We of course ensure that any action we take is compliant with all applicable laws.”
This latest warning comes after more than 1,000 people across the UK were contacted via email or text, requesting they stop using illegal streaming devices or face criminal prosecution.
The messages, sent as part of FACT’s latest campaign, warned users they are not anonymous and watching unauthorised content carries “serious risks”.
This came off the back of a high-profile case involving Jonathan Edge, from Liverpool, who was jailed for his role in running and personally using an illegal streaming service.
Edge was sentenced to three years and four months in prison, in a prosecution supported by FACT and Merseyside Police.
Edge’s own use of the unauthorised service was treated as a distinct crime, leading to a separate concurrent sentence of two years and three months.
An individual who had been loading illicit streaming services on to so-called “Firesticks” has today been sentenced to three years and four months in prison.
➡️ https://t.co/tlf6ycnptr pic.twitter.com/yr093FtQQe
— Premier League Communications (@PLComms) November 12, 2024
FACT said this highlights that it’s not just suppliers of illegal streaming devices that can face criminal prosecution, but users as well.
Amazon blocking ‘dodgy’ Fire TV Stick apps
Amazon is also cracking down on the use of ‘dodgy’ Fire TV Sticks by blocking apps that are identified as helping users gain illegal access to pirated content.
An Amazon spokesperson said: “Piracy is illegal, and we’ve always worked to block it from our Appstore.
“Through an expanded program led by the Alliance for Creativity and Entertainment (ACE), a global coalition fighting digital piracy, we’ll now block apps identified as providing access to pirated content, including those downloaded from outside our Appstore.
“This builds on our ongoing efforts to support creators and protect customers, as piracy can also expose users to malware, viruses, and fraud.”
Customers will receive notifications about any apps identified as facilitating piracy and will have the option to uninstall.
This latest update comes after Amazon released its new Fire TV Stick 4K Select, which runs on a new Vega operating system.
This operating system makes it much more difficult to turn the device into a dodgy stick.
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What is the penalty if caught with a ‘dodgy’ Fire Stick?
Those caught using or selling a ‘dodgy’ fire stick/box and streaming premium content without paying are in breach of Section 11 of the Fraud Act 2006.
It says a person will be in breach if they obtain services “without any payment having been made for or in respect of them or without payment having been made in full”.
A person found guilty of this kind of offence could be fined or face a jail sentence of up to five years.
