Copyright standard
Dodgy streaming apps that allow Amazon Fire Stick owners to watch premium TV illegally will stop working from today, Amazon has warned. Amazon has launched a major global crackdown on Fire Stick piracy that will see illegal streaming apps blocked. A spokesperson for the streaming giant told the Sun: “Piracy is illegal, and we’ve always worked to block it from our Appstore. “Through an expanded program led by the Alliance for Creativity and Entertainment (ACE), a global coalition fighting digital piracy, we’ll now block apps identified as providing access to pirated content, including those downloaded from outside our Appstore. “This builds on our ongoing efforts to support creators and protect customers, as piracy can also expose users to malware, viruses, and fraud.” Regular Amazon Fire TV Sticks used for watching television legally won’t be affected in the global crackdown. The company says Fire Stick owners will still be able to install apps from outside of its official Appstore - but ones operating illegally will be stopped. It comes as crackdown on illegal Premier League football streaming via the modified Amazon Fire Sticks is targeting a wide range of areas across the United Kingdom. Bosses are keen to stop the dodgy devices being used as they are estimated to cost broadcasters and sports bodies billions per year. Now FACT (the Federation Against Copyright Theft) is teaming up with police across the UK to find and punish those who illegally access the content. Kieron Sharp, Chairman of FACT, said: 'FACT’s enforcement activities against illegal streaming are ongoing throughout the year. 'Together with our partners and the police, we constantly review new intelligence and target those areas of the UK and Ireland where the data shows that illegal streaming activity is taking place. 'Our investigations are thorough, and we are relentless in our determination to stop illegal streaming and bring offenders to justice. To avoid jeopardising operations that are in progress, we do not share details publicly until enforcement action has been completed.' Full list of the targeted areas: • Northamptonshire • Lincolnshire • Derbyshire • Staffordshire • East Midlands • West Midlands • Greater Manchester • Merseyside • Northumbria • North Yorkshire • South Wales • North East England • North West England
