Brits who use ‘dodgy’ Amazon Fire Sticks to illegally stream content may soon find themselves facing legal consequences, including potential visits from law enforcement. The use of these devices, which include USB sticks and other boxes plugged into TVs, has surged in recent years, driven by rising subscription costs for services like Disney+, Netflix, and Amazon Prime Video.
These illicit devices and apps enable users to stream live content and on-demand entertainment from popular streaming services without paying for subscriptions. However, the Federation Against Copyright Theft (FACT UK) is stepping up efforts to combat illegal streaming by sending cease and desist letters and conducting in-person visits.
A spokesperson for FACT stated, “FACT constantly monitors the digital landscape to combat illegal streaming activities in the UK and Ireland. We utilise a range of methods to identify individuals engaged in unauthorised businesses that offer access to illegal streams.
FACT and Crimestoppers rely heavily on public reports of illegal streaming activities. These reports are then investigated by our Intelligence Unit, and followed up with a rolling programme of action which includes issuing ‘Cease and Desist’ letters and conducting nationwide ‘Knock and Talks’,” FACT explained.
These visits, conducted alongside law enforcement, aim to inform individuals about their illegal activities and the immediate need to cease and desist or face further action or prosecution. FACT also works closely with law enforcement to gather evidence and pursue legal actions against these criminal entities.
Under Section 11 of the Fraud Act 2006, covering ‘obtaining services dishonestly’, individuals found guilty can face up to 12 months in prison, or a maximum of five years for more serious offences. While viewers of illegally streamed content are unlikely to face jail time, distributors of such content can receive significant prison sentences. In 2018, five men were jailed for up to 11 years each for distributing illegal streams.
How to Reset a Fire Stick
For those looking to reset their Amazon Fire Stick remote, follow these steps:
- Unplug your Fire TV and wait 60 seconds.
- Press and hold the Left section of the circular button in the centre of the remote, the Menu button, and the Back button at the same time.
- Hold them for 12 seconds.
- Release the buttons and wait five seconds.
- Remove the batteries from your remote.
- Plug in your Fire TV and wait until you see the screen that says the remote can’t be detected.
- Put the batteries back in your remote.
- Press the Home button.
When the LED indicator blinks blue, your remote is paired successfully.
