FOOTY fans hellbent on illegal streaming are plotting an “exodus” away from Fire Sticks despite warnings about the dangers.
Modified “dodgy” Fire Sticks have long been misused by people seeking pirate live feeds of Premier League games and premium movies.
But Amazon recently kick-started a huge crackdown on the practice by banning such apps.
The huge shake-up started with alerts that told users the app they were trying to open would soon be banned.
But in the last week, the ban has intensified with no way for people to dismiss the alert.
Worryingly, this is triggering some to look for alternative kit to carry on illegally streaming elsewhere.
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As well as it being a crime, piracy is very risky for the user as well with untrustworthy apps used to steal money from unsuspecting viewers.
Just recently it was revealed that the average victim of illegal streaming fraud loses around £1,680.
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Yet, some continue to seek out different ways to access so-called IPTV services.
“There are way too many options that allow you to sideload what you want, no way I’m letting Amazon dictate what I’m allowed to do or watch on my TV,” one person ranted.
“There seams to be a bit of an exodus now, people trying to sell them on,” another said.
“Meh I got my money’s worth from them, time to drop them and move on to the next thing,” a third commented.
Kieron Sharp, Chairman of anti piracy organisation FACT, previously told The Sun that anyone tempted to look for alternative devices or apps to access illegal streams “should think twice”.
“These services are often run by criminal networks, putting users’ data, devices and even bank details at risk,” he said.
“The safest and easiest way to enjoy the content you love is through legitimate services.”
Jake Moore, an expert for cybersecurity firm ESET, has also warned that many dodgy streaming apps and sites will hide malicious code filled with tracking tools or links to phishing scams that can raid your bank account.
“The fact they are illegal means those using them are taking on those risks but may be unaware of what they can actually do,” he said.
“Users will often need to grant these apps permissions whilst unbeknown to them, giving criminals access to their personal data or even payment details.”
WHY HAS AMAZON BLOCKED ILLEGAL STREAMING ON FIRE STICKS?
Here’s what tech industry expert Paolo Pescatore, of PP Foresight, thinks…
“Bottom line, it was about time, and it is the right thing to do,” he told The Sun.
“There’s much more the industry can do as a whole.
“More and more people are streaming illegally, and in many cases, they think the services are genuine.
“Sports is typically the genre that generates the most attention, given the escalating costs.
“With moves towards direct-to-consumer services online, the issue will only proliferate.
“Everyone has to do their part to address this problem, which is costing the industry a lot of money.”
