Illegal ‘dodgy’ Fire Sticks have become a common way to use streaming services and add-on premium content without paying.
The sticks work by using a third-part software installed in them, allowing users to watch the likes of TNT Sport, Disney+ and Netflix for free.
Using fire sticks is considered a “serious crime” by police forces across the UK and Ireland.
Organisations like Crimestoppers and the Federation Against Copyright Theft (FACT) have been attempting to stamp them out.
What are the risks and punishments of using dodgy fire sticks?
Owning a dodgy Fire TV Stick is not currently illegal; however, it is against the law to access unauthorised, copyrighted content without paying for it and could be classified as committing fraud.
Those caught using or selling a 'dodgy' fire stick/box and streaming premium content without paying are in breach of Section 11 of the Fraud Act 2006.
It says a person will be in breach if they obtain services "without any payment having been made for or in respect of them or without payment having been made in full".
A person found guilty of this kind of offence could be fined or face a jail sentence of up to five years.
Enforcement of the use is often aimed at those selling the dodgy fire sticks and businesses using them to show illegal streams.
The modified sticks allow users to download apps that are not available in app stores, letting them access unauthorised content for free.
If you are caught using fire sticks, you could face large fines reaching thousands of pounds.
Although the use of fire sticks has become more common, prosecution for using one has been rare.
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Users of the sticks may face civil copyright infringement claims if found to be watching unauthorised content.
Enforcement of the use is often aimed at those selling the dodgy fire sticks and businesses using them to show illegal streams.
Anyone found guilty of using an illegal streaming service device could face a year in prison and fines.
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