An URGENT warning has been issued for football fans using “dummy” Amazon firesticks to get free access to Sky Sports.
The remote can be customized to sideload unofficial apps that aren’t on Amazon’s store in a process called jailbreaking.
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An urgent warning has been issued for football fans using ‘archived’ Amazon firesticks to get free access to Sky SportsCredit: Getty
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Firesticks offers users instant access to TV shows from a range of streaming apps Credit: Getty
Jailbreaking a firestick is not only illegal in the UK and US, but can also permanently damage your Amazon device.
Firesticks offer users instant access to TV shows from a range of streaming apps, such as Prime Video, Netflix and Disney+.
However, people tend to use their devices, which cost £34.99 from Amazon, for illegal streaming.
And FACT UK, which fights against illegal streaming in the UK and Ireland, has warned users of tough measures.
A spokesperson said: “FACT is constantly monitoring the digital landscape to combat illegal streaming activity.
“We use a variety of ways to find people who run companies that offer access to illegal streams.
“One way is through our partnership with Crimestoppers.
“It’s now easier than ever to report illegal streaming, and over the past year we’ve seen a huge increase in reports related to Firesticks and illegal streaming.”
They added: “Our intelligence unit investigates these reports. We then take action, which includes sending ‘Cease and Desist’ and ‘Knock and Talk’ letters across the country.
“We are also working closely with the police to gather more evidence and take legal action against these criminal groups.”
The Federation Against Copyright Theft (FACT), which acts for the Premier League, Sky and BT Sport, helped form Section 11 of the Fraud Act 2006 which criminalises the act of obtaining any service by dishonest means.
Under the Fraud Act, people caught illegally accessing TV services can face up to five years in prison and/or an unlimited fine.
In the latest crackdown on illegal streaming, a total of 22 legal warnings were issued to people across Ireland alone.
They were issued with “cease and desist” notices telling them to stop selling the devices immediately or face more severe consequences, including prosecution.
Addresses across Dublin, Cork, Meath, West Meath, Kilkenny, Clare, Limerick, Louth, Galway and Monaghan were notified between 22nd January and 2nd February.
Separately, police recently raided homes and made two arrests after finding illegal Fire TV devices being sold with full access to premium Sky packages.
An investigation by the Eastern Region Special Operations Unit (ERSOU) uncovered a Telegram channel selling illegal Fire Sticks, netting those involved more than £800,000.
Permanent damage and data risks
Amazon has not completely blocked access to these unofficial apps.
But Amazon warns users about the dangers of adding unofficial software and encourages people to stream only through official channels.
Last year, the tech giant issued a new message warning users to root out jailbreaking.
When an app is downloaded outside of the traditional Amazon Fire store, in a practice known as sideloading, this warning will appear.
The warning is intended to warn users who may not be aware of the dangers associated with adding unofficial software to their devices.
“WARNING: When you use apps from unknown sources, your TV and personal information are less secure and there is a risk of unexpected behavior,” the message read, AFTnews reported at the time.
“You agree that you are solely responsible for any damage to your device or loss of data that may occur from using these applications.”
The warning started appearing when users would request sideloading apps at the beginning of the year.
What is a ‘dodgy’ firestick?
Jailbreaking a firestick is not only illegal in the UK and US, but can also permanently damage your Amazon device.
The Firestick offers users instant access to TV shows from a range of streaming apps, such as Prime Video, Netflix and Disney+.
However, people usually use their devices for illegal streaming.
This is what led to the arrest of two British men in December, who were caught in an illegal firestick operation.
The remote can be customized to sideload unofficial apps that aren’t in the Amazon store.
A jailbroken Firestick can access pirated streaming apps, so users have a wider library of illegal content to browse – without paying a penny.
Categories: Optical Illusion
Source: HIS Education