Amazon Fire TV Stick warning (Image: AMAZON)
Illegal streaming via so-called ‘dodgy’ Fire TV Sticks is under the spotlight once again. This way of watching popular content platforms – such as Sky – has exploded in popularity in recent years and it’s not hard to see why with homes getting access to premium programming at a vastly reduced price or even for free.
With millions now watching sports and movies illegally, UK authorities continue to clamp down on this practice with recent raids targeting sellers of pre-loaded streaming devices.
Now, it’s been confirmed that another illegal provider of Fire TV Sticks will no longer be able to supply homes with access to cheap Sky, , and Disney+.
Sunny Kumar Kanda, 40, of Creek View, Wheatley, Halifax, has been handed a two-year prison sentence for selling dodgy devices over an 18-month period.
Originally named ‘KD Streams’ – but later rebranded as ‘KD Media’ – Kanda was was caught red handed after an undercover investigator from the team at FACT made a test purchase of the advertised Fire Stick.
It was analysed and found to have been modified to provide unauthorised access to premium film, television, and live sports content using applications called The Vodfather XC and Plex.
“Accessing pirated content through illegal TV fire sticks undermines the UK’s entertainment industry, putting its talented workforce and supply chains at risk by depriving them of fair earnings and revenue,” said a spokesperson for National Trading Standards.
“It also puts consumers at risk by exposing them to illegal software that can put their data and bank details in jeopardy.
“Today’s sentence is an important reminder to all those who buy and sell TV firesticks that crime does not pay – it breaches copyright law and we encourage people to report suspected cases to the Citizens Advice consumer service.”
And Kieron Sharp, CEO, FACT, added: “We are grateful for the strong partnership between FACT, City of York Council, North Yorkshire Council and the National Trading Standards eCrime Team. This collaboration was crucial in securing the evidence needed to hold the offender accountable.
“Illegal streaming isn’t a victimless crime. It weakens the creative industries, puts consumers at risk of data theft and often funds other serious crimes.
“The outcome serves as both a consequence for those involved in these criminal activities and as a strong warning to others considering similar action.”
Although it’s unlikely that arrests or raids will ever be made on those using modified Fire TV Sticks, there are still plenty of dangers when using them. These gadgets can come laced with malware and there aren’t any parental blocks which means younger members of the family can be exposed to inappropriate content.
Premium services such as Sky and Disney+ aren’t cheap but they won’t ever put the user in any danger.