Have you been tempted to avoid paying charges for premium content by getting a fire stick sideloaded with illegal streaming apps?
These ‘dodgy’ sticks have been in the news a lot lately, after a major crackdown began last year to shut down the networks distributing them, as well as those using them at home.
The Federation Against Copyright theft (FACT) said they continue to target anywhere in the UK and Ireland ‘where the data shows that illegal streaming activity is taking place’.
What are dodgy fire sticks?
The sticks, also called ‘jailbroken’ or ‘modded’ sticks, involve crooked vendors installing official streaming apps so users can watch for free.
Using these devices, which include USB sticks and other boxes plugged into a TV, is against the Fraud Act and can lead to hefty fines.
Police forces and the anti-piracy body FACT have been seizing the fire sticks and making arrests.
Amazon has also joined the crackdown – its new Fire TV Stick 4K Select has a key change that makes it harder to turn into a dodgy stick.
A cybersecurity expert told Metro that the device no longer uses Android but a new in-house operating system called Vega. Now, apps uploaded on the new device will find it harder to gain permission for things like internet connectivity.
The device also does not yet allow the use of VPNs, which disguise where internet traffic is coming from, and are a key tool for those using ‘dodgy’ sticks.
Warnings over their use
It’s not just fear of officers knocking on your door that should make you think twice about illegal streaming.
The apps and websites allowing it are not exactly security conscious and responsible, and any downloads can even bring malware along as an uninvited guest.
Research last week showed that two in five people who used such devices had lost money from being inancially hacked, far outweighing the savings of avoiding IP fees, which could be just £13 a month.
Ethical hacker Rob Shapland told Metro: ‘Information on how to buy dodgy Fire sticks is readily available online – there has been an increase [in uptake] in this regard.
‘People assume that because their friend bought one, there’s no downside.
‘By buying one of these devices you risk downloading malware onto your phone or laptop – you’re doing hackers’ jobs for them.
Where have crackdowns taken place?
A crackdown last year targeted more than 30 suppliers selling them, including a 42-year-old man was arrested in Newport on suspicion of his involvement in selling illicit fire sticks. Others were visited in person and handed cease-and-desist letters.
Kieron Sharp, Chairman of FACT, said: ‘FACT’s enforcement activities against illegal streaming are ongoing throughout the year.
‘Together with our partners and the police, we constantly review new intelligence and target those areas of the UK and Ireland where the data shows that illegal streaming activity is taking place.
‘Our investigations are thorough, and we are relentless in our determination to stop illegal streaming and bring offenders to justice. To avoid jeopardising operations that are in progress, we do not share details publicly until enforcement action has been completed.’
In November 2024, Jonathan Edge, 29, from Liverpool, received a three-year jail term for selling and using illegal fire sticks.
The organisation sent him cease and desist letters but he carried on, leading to the Premier League taking him to court.
Full list of areas targeted in ‘dodgy’ Fire Stick raids
- London
- Kent
- Sussex
- Norfolk
- Northamptonshire
- Lincolnshire
- Derbyshire
- Staffordshire
- East and West Midlands
- Greater Manchester
- Cheshire
- Merseyside
- Northumbria
- North Yorkshire
- South Wales
- North East England
- North West England
The Daily Mail reported there is also an ‘advanced’ crackdown in Scotland.
What is the law around ‘dodgy’ Fire TV sticks?
Using or distributing ‘jailbroken’ fire sticks is against the law.
Jailbroken fire sticks have been hacked to allow access to additional apps.
It is against the law to use a jailbroken one to do something illegal with.
For example, if somebody had a ‘jailbroken’ PlayStation and used it to play pirated video games, that would be illegal.
This means owners of these fire sticks can download illegal streaming apps and watch content without paying for the subscription services.
People are at risk of a large fine if they do not pay for a TV licence and watch live sports on a ‘dodgy’ fire stick.
The maximum punishment is a £1,000 fine – which could reach £2,000 if you live in Guernsey.
Owning a normal Fire TV Stick like those provided by Amazon is not illegal and is not part of this crackdown.
Chief executive of FACT, Kieron Sharp, said after last year’s raids: ‘Our cease-and-desist measures are not just warnings—they are the first step toward holding offenders accountable.
‘If you’re supplying or using illicit streaming devices or illegal IPTV subscriptions, take this as a clear warning: you are breaking the law and risk facing serious consequences.
‘To those using illegal streaming services, the message is that you’re not just committing a crime; you are putting yourself at risk.
‘These services often expose users to malware, scams, and data theft, with no recourse when things go wrong.’
This is an updated version of an article first published on December 12, 2024.
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