Warning to ‘dodgy’ Firestick users as judge signs warrant to reveal IP addresses of illegal streamers

‘Dodgy’ Amazon Firestick users could soon have their IP addresses exposed after a judge signed a warrant to identify illegal streamers who dodge fees. 

A standard Firestick costs just £34.99 from Amazon, with many shoppers using them legally, simply to upgrade their TVs and watch the platforms they’re subscribed to. 

However, in recent years there has been an increase of people getting their hands on modified versions of the sticks, which allow them to watch any channels without paying monthly fees.

Following a multitude of complaints from broadcasters and leagues as they lose out on huge amounts of revenue, authorities across Europe are now cracking down on illegal streamers.

In Spain, a new ruling could make using illegal streams even riskier – particularly for those who watch football.

As reported by Spanish publication Marca, Commercial Court number eight of Barcelona has passed a new ruling for legal action to be taken directly against users who download and consume pirated football.

As per the terms of the agreement, internet service providers will be forced to send the IP address of any individual found guilty of illegal streaming directly to La Liga – the men’s professional football division of the Spanish football league system.

Under the previous ruling, only ‘public establishments’ like restaurants and bars could be prosecuted for illegally streaming football.

The news comes as retailers are cracking down on ‘dodgy’ Amazon Firestick users who are illegally streaming content.

The illicit streams, provided by IPTV services, work by users downloading an app which provides access, then paying a fixed subscription fee to the developers for the pay-for services.

IPTV, or internet protocol TV, refers to the provision of content through an IP rather than a traditional TV stream.

Users were later warned they could face prosecution – after Sky teamed up with trading standards to threaten those providing the services with arrest unless they cease their activities.

Federation Against Copyright Theft (FACT UK) are attempting to crack down on the matter in a significant way by sending cease and desist letters – as well as turning up on the doorsteps of those who are suspected of illegally streaming content.

Commercial Court number eight of Barcelona has passed a new ruling for legal action to be taken directly against users who download and consume pirated football

Existing copywriting laws mean those found to be fraudulently receiving transmissions can be sentenced to up to 10 years in prison and face a hefty fine.

Police recently issued a warning to people who use Firesticks to stream and download sport illegally, having made an arrest following a nationwide investigation.

A YouGov survey revealed in November that almost 10 per cent of the UK population have recently watched sport illegally for free from subscription platforms such as Sky Sports, TNT Sports and Amazon Prime.

Police recently issued a warning to people who use Firesticks to stream and download sport illegally, having made an arrest following a nationwide investigation 

Eager to crack down on the practice, police have issued a fresh warning after hauling 11 people in for interviews as part of a national probe.

The Police Intellectual Property Crime Unit (PIPCU) at City of London Police carried out the investigation in conjunction with the Premier League and FACT, with a focus on those selling illegally modified devices, such as Amazon Fire Sticks.

Of the 11 investigated across regions including Portsmouth, Wales, Hartlepool, Middlesbrough, Leeds, Manchester and Bury, one was arrested and 10 were interviewed under caution.

Emma Warbey, Detective Chief Inspector of the Police Intellectual Property Crime Unit, said: ‘Illegal streaming is a huge issue for the industry and while it may seem like a low-risk, high-reward crime, the proceeds are used to fund other serious forms of criminal activity.

‘By targeting grassroots sellers, we are sending out a clear message that this will not be tolerated.’