Amazon has confirmed it is intensifying its efforts to block illegal streaming on Fire TV Sticks, with apps side-loaded onto the devices set to be removed if they are deemed unauthorised. The crackdown, already underway in parts of Europe, is expected to affect UK users in the coming months.
An Amazon spokesperson told Mirror Online: “Piracy is illegal, and we’ve always worked to block it from our Appstore. Through an expanded programme led by the Alliance for Creativity and Entertainment (ACE), we’ll now block apps identified as offering access to pirated content, including those installed from outside our Appstore.” The company said the move aims to protect customers and content creators, noting that piracy can expose users to malware, viruses and fraud.
Once the update is implemented, Fire TV Stick users will lose access to a wide range of content, including sports and movies. Experts warn that some viewers may be tempted to switch to alternative set-top boxes promoted on social media and online marketplaces, but caution that such devices carry serious risks.
Sebastien Lahtinen, Director of Thinkbroadband.com, said: “With household budgets under real pressure, we’re seeing people take risks they wouldn’t normally consider, including turning to dubious IPTV boxes. The issue is that these devices often contain unknown software that can be used to install malware, harvest personal data, or even hijack your internet connection for botnets.”
While these gadgets may offer access to premium content at a fraction of the cost of legitimate services, the hidden dangers are significant. The advice is clear: if your device gets blocked, be very careful before switching to another streaming box, especially if purchased online via social media.
