by The latest development in a crackdown on internet piracy could make it even easier for the authorities to track down people using ‘dodgy’ Amazon TV Firesticks to watch content for free.
The ban on piracy is in place after broadcasters and sports leagues complained that they are losing large sums of money as people use modified Firesticks to watch things like sports or pay-per-view movies.
The Federation Against Copyright Theft (FACT UK), which tackles copyright theft, is running an operation to crack down on people using the devices, sending cease and desist notices and issuing legal warnings in person, by post and by email, threatening further action against those who do not comply.
Now, it is reported that a new ruling in a commercial court in Spain could make illegal streamers even more dangerous, especially those who watch football, allowing legal action to be taken directly against users who download pirated football and to eat. The ruling means that internet service providers will be forced to send the IP address of anyone found guilty of illegal streaming directly to the Spanish football league La Liga.
Here’s everything you need to know about so-called ‘dodgy’ fire sticks, including what they are and what the risks are if you use one:-
What are ‘dodgy’ Firesticks
Firesticks are Amazon’s standard Fire Zone modified so that people can watch exclusive channels, sports games and paid content for free.
They essentially allow the illegal streaming of sporting events and films on paid platforms such as Sky and Netflix, and have prompted complaints from broadcasters and sports leagues over the loss of revenue from internet piracy and people using these Firesticks.
Use of the devices, which can also include USB sticks and other boxes plugged into your TV, is believed to have increased – partly due to the cost of living crisis and a rise in subscription fees at some streaming sites.
Ironically, England captain Harry Kane was accused of joking about using some sort of ‘dodgy box’ in exchange for CBS when he revealed he had watched the Sky broadcast while in Germany.
What is the current crackdown on dodgy Firesticks?
The Federation Against Copyright Theft (FACT UK) has launched a crackdown in the UK, sending cease and desist letters as well as visiting users in person.
FACT UK previously said: “Fact constantly monitors the digital landscape to combat illegal streaming activities in the UK and Ireland. We use a range of methods to identify individuals engaged in unauthorized undertakings offering access to illegal streams.
“One of these methods is through our partnership with Crimestoppers to make it as easy as possible to report illegal streaming, and over the past year, we’ve seen a significant increase in the number of reports directly linked to Firesticks and illegal streaming.
“Our Intelligence Unit then investigates these reports, and a rolling program of action continues which includes issuing ‘Stop and Cease’ letters and carrying out ‘Hill and Talks’ throughout the country.
“These home visits, conducted in conjunction with law enforcement, serve to inform individuals of their activities and the immediate need to cease and desist or face further action or prosecution. We also work closely with law enforcement to gather more evidence to actively pursue. legal action against these criminal entities.”
What is the penalty if you use a dodgy fire stick?
Section 11 of the Fraud Act 2006 covers ‘dishonestly obtaining services’ and if found guilty, could carry a term of 12 months in prison, or a maximum of five months if the offense was more serious.
While people who view illegally streamed content are unlikely to spend time behind bars, those caught distributing the content are regularly convicted and imprisoned. Five men arrested on suspicion of distributing material in 2018 were jailed for up to 11 years each.
Have people been jailed for using or selling Firesticks?
In October last year Steven Mills, 58, from Shrewsbury, was jailed for two-and-a-half years after he was found to be behind a sophisticated illegal streaming service which showed Premier League matches.
Mills, who ran the organization selling “Firesticks” through a closed Facebook group and claimed to have more than 30,000 subscribers, pleaded guilty to multiple fraud offenses at Shrewsbury Crown Court following a joint investigation by the Premier League, West Mercia Police and FACT.
He was also convicted of a separate offense for viewing the illegal content he was providing to others.
