ILLEGAL streamers have been warned not to seek out alternative devices after Amazon issued a shock ban on the practice via Fire Sticks last week.
So-called “dodgy” Fire Sticks that have been modified by cyber criminals to side-load illegal streaming apps have been rife for years.
It’s cost the movie and sports broadcasting industry billions, as viewers circumvent subscription costs on legal platforms.
The firm has also tightened how VPNs work to prevent users from curtailing the crackdown.
But The Sun has uncovered a number of users now on the hunt for different devices to continue their illegal streaming habit.
“With Amazon cracking down on the side-loaded apps, what is the easy alternative?” one user wrote.
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Anti piracy experts have warned the public not to be tempted by other illicit options found online.
The biggest danger many don’t realise is they could be hit by fraud.
Victims have previously told The Sun how their bank accounts were accessed soon after subscribing to cheap illegal streaming sites that offer access to Premier League matches and thousands of other premium TV channels usually found on Sky.
“Anyone tempted to look for alternative devices or apps to access illegal streams should think twice,” Kieron Sharp, Chairman of anti piracy organisation FACT told The Sun.
“These services are often run by criminal networks, putting users’ data, devices and even bank details at risk.
“The safest and easiest way to enjoy the content you love is through legitimate services.”
Jake Moore, an expert for cybersecurity firm ESET warned many piracy apps and sites will hide malicious code, 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.”
Sky, which has been particularly affected by illegal streaming due to its huge sports streaming rights, said Amazon’s move is “a positive step in the fight against piracy”
“Piracy poses serious risks to consumers and the creative sectors, and tackling it effectively also requires full buy-in from all major tech platforms,” said Matt Hibbert, Group Director Anti-Piracy at Sky.
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.”
