AMAZON is stepping up the fight against online piracy as a major ban starts to take effect on ‘dodgy’ Fire Sticks.
Users with illegal streaming apps to watch Premier League games on the cheap and premium movies before release have started seeing an urgent warning popup on their screens.
Amazon is cracking down on illegal streaming that has been become rife on modified Fire Sticks.
The problem is said to be costing the sports broadcasting industry billions in losses.
And users themselves run the risk of losing money with dodgy apps using fraud tactics to raid bank accounts.
Amazon is gradually rolling out changes that will eventually block any “side-loaded” apps used to illegally stream content.
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The first step in that process is a warning that’s now been spotted when trying to load the apps, before a full scale ban kicks in.
“One or more apps on your device have been identified as using or providing access to unlicensed content, including this app, and will be disabled,” the alert reads.
“To remove this app now, select Uninstall below.”
The alert also provides a website link for further information that goes into why the tech giant is cracking down on the practice.
Amazon says the move is designed to “protect both customers and content creators”.
“Fire TV disables apps that are identified as using or providing access to unlicensed content,” the firm explains.
“We have a thorough review process that identifies apps that use or provide access to unlicensed content.
“When an app is identified as using or providing access to unlicensed content, we inform you and provide the option to uninstall.”
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.”
