Viewers using ‘jailbroken’ Amazon Fire Sticks to watch Sky, Netflix and other TV platforms for free have been warned they could face heavy fines – and even end up in the slammer.
Watching Saltburn probably isn’t worth that.
Fire Sticks and other devices that are set up to offer a wide range of channels without a subscription are easily available, and while owning one itself isn’t technically illegal, using it to stream TV you haven’t paid for most definitely is.
However, with the life being so expensive and the best TV and films now spread across what feels like dozens of channels and platforms, their popularity continues to grow.
Now, the Federation Against Copyright Theft (FACT UK) and the police are cracking down on these ‘dodgy boxes’.
What can happen to illegal streamers?
Starting off relatively mildly with a ‘cease and desist’ letter, authorities can step up to a home visit, an unlimited fine and even a prison sentence of up to five years if found guilty of ‘obtaining services dishonestly’ under Section 11 of the Fraud Act 2006.
‘FACT constantly monitors the digital landscape to combat illegal streaming activities in the UK and Ireland,’ the organisation said in a statement.
‘We utilise a range of methods to identify individuals engaged in unauthorised businesses that offer access to illegal streams.’
The organisation’s ‘Knock and Talk’s are set out as a first warning for users.
‘[They] serve to inform individuals about their activities and the immediate need to cease and desist or face further action or prosecution,’ the statement continued.
‘We also work in close collaboration with law enforcement to gather further evidence to actively pursue legal actions against these criminal entities.’
Those who sell ‘jailbroken’ Fire Sticks also face stiff penalties – in October, Steven Mills, 58, was sentenced to two years in prison for selling devices set up to stream Premier League matches.
Last month, an investigation by the Eastern Region Special Operations Unit (ERSOU) led to two arrests related to a Telegram channel selling illegal Fire Sticks.
And while you might not have too much sympathy for a super-rich sport or global streaming platform missing out on a few pounds a month, the ERSOU warned there are much wider consequences.
‘We know from experience that the money generated through illegal means such as this often goes on to fund wider organised criminality, which is why it’s key to apprehend those involved,’ said Detective Inspector Steve Payne.
‘We have also gained access to the details of those purchasing the streams, and I would remind anyone doing so that they will be breaking the law and could ultimately be subject to criminal proceedings.’
FACT’s CEO warned there were also other risks involved for those buying them.
‘Illegal IPTV service providers are breaking the law and putting consumers at real risk of malware, data compromise, and identity theft,’ said Kieron Sharp.
‘[We remain] committed to disrupting these criminal operations and protecting consumers from the many dangers of illegal streaming.’
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