A fresh warning has been issued to users of 'dodgy' Fire TV sticks as Amazon cracks down further on illegal streaming.
Since last year, Amazon has worked to block piracy apps on its Fire TV devices.
Users looking to launch apps that were believed to have unlicensed content began seeing warning messages, before the warnings became full blocks on certain applications.
Now, Amazon has tightened restrictions even further in its continued attempts to stop illegal Fire TV sticks.
Amazon Fire TV sticks blocking illegal apps in new change
Amazon is now stopping suspected piracy apps from being installed at all, rather than simply blocking apps.
Blocking the apps based on their name will aim to stop those who have been using app cloning tools to modify blacklisted apps.
Amazon previously removed an app cloning tool from its Appstore and the new change makes it impossible to use app cloning tools directly on Fire TV devices.
Under the new change, users trying to download 'dodgy' apps are now met with a message reading: "App installation blocked.
"This app has been blocked because it uses or provides access to unlicensed content."
An Amazon spokesperson told Newsquest: "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 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."
Amazon has also told users that it is not blocking sideloading as a feature, which remains available on Fire OS and Vega devices, but is blocking sideloaded apps identified as facilitating piracy.
Fire TV offers major streaming apps for watching content legally, including more premium streaming apps and more free content than ever before, with access to live sports content.
The vast majority of Fire TV streaming is not from sideloaded apps, with most Fire TV viewing coming from apps downloaded from the Amazon Appstore.
Are Fire TV sticks illegal in the UK?
Amazon Fire TV Sticks are legal to purchase and use in the UK.
However, legal concerns arise when the devices are modified, a process commonly referred to as being “jailbroken” or “fully loaded.”
These altered devices can allow users to access premium subscription services, including live sports, films, and television channels, without paying the appropriate subscription fees, which constitutes a breach of copyright law.
Typically, they are used to watch premium content from providers such as Sky, TNT Sport, Disney+ and Netflix, for free.
The Federation Against Copyright Theft (FACT) issued a warning to UK consumers last year regarding the use of modified streaming devices.
The organisation’s statement follows a significant court case involving Jonathan Edge, from Liverpool, who was sentenced to three years and four months’ imprisonment.
Edge was convicted of both operating and personally using an illegal streaming service.
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."
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What is the penalty for using an illegal fire stick?
Using or distributing an illicit fire stick to access paid-for TV channels or streaming services without a subscription breaks the law under Section 11 of the Fraud Act 2006.
Under this legislation, an offence is committed when someone dishonestly accesses services without paying for them at all, or without paying the full amount required.
Anyone convicted of this offence may be issued with a financial penalty or could receive a prison sentence of up to five years.
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