News Beat
New dodgy Fire Stick warning issued to thousands of users
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 Sky, 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.
New warning issued to those using illegal streaming devices
FACT’s latest campaign has seen thousands of messages sent to people across the UK, warning they are not anonymous and watching unauthorised content carries “serious risks”.
This message comes following a recent 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.
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— 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.
During investigations into Edge and operators of another illegal streaming service (currently pending criminal prosecution), law enforcement seized details of customers who had purchased access to so-called “loaded” Fire Sticks, Android, or Kodi devices.
Those customers have now been contacted directly to warn them of the dangers of continuing to use illegal streaming services.
FACT chairman Kieron Sharp said: “This campaign makes it clear that end users of illegal streaming services are breaking the law.
“The risks are real, from potential criminal liability to exposure to scams, viruses, and harmful content.
“We urge people to protect themselves and their families by only using legitimate providers.”
Detective Sergeant Adam Dagnall of Merseyside Police’s Cybercrime Unit added: “Merseyside Police takes illegal streaming seriously because it often helps fund organised crime and puts users at real risk.
“Not only is it a criminal offence, but the unauthorised streaming services frequently contain malware that can compromise personal devices and lead to the loss of information such as banking details, or be used to commit identity fraud.
“Legitimate providers have security measures that protect users from these threats.
“Please don’t be tempted by cheap so-called ‘fully loaded’ or ‘jailbroken’ devices, even as Christmas gifts – you could end up getting more than you bargained for.”
T/DCI Alethea Fowler of Tarian Regional Organised Crime Unit continued: “Users of illegal streaming services may see it as a harmless crime, but there is no such thing.
“Not only do the end users of these services face risks such as loss of personal data and fire risk to their property, but they are also funding serious and organised crime.
“Criminals rarely stop at one income stream, and by purchasing illicit goods you are enabling further forms of criminality, often involving exploitation and harm.
“We would encourage anyone who is considering using illegal streaming services to consider the risks to themselves, their families, and their wider communities.”
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.
