A warning has been issued to ‘dodgy’ Amazon Firestick users following a nationwide operation to combat illegal streaming. Over a month-long period, FACT and police forces across the UK zeroed in on individuals providing unauthorised access to premium TV content, such as films, television shows and live sports events. From Essex to Dundee, dozens of unlawful IPTV operators were identified, investigated, and hit with official warnings.
Cease-and-desist notices, instructed by FACT and police to immediately halt their illegal activity or face criminal prosecution, were personally delivered by FACT and police and sent via post and email. The operation covered the entire UK, including London, South East England, West Midlands, North West, North East, North Wales and Scotland. This is part of a broader campaign to disrupt and dismantle piracy operations.
Digital devices and ‘fully loaded’ smart TV devices or Firesticks were seized from the addresses and are currently being forensically examined by FACT. Furthermore, Sky has been actively working to eliminate listings and social media posts that sell illegal IPTV subscriptions and ‘loaded’ Firesticks in the UK and Ireland. During this crackdown period, they managed to remove over 3,000.
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The focused crackdown in July has yielded impressive outcomes, leading to the shutdown of most illegal services and the removal of their ads from platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and others. FACT works closely with sports rights holders and broadcast partners such as The Premier League, Sky, TNT Sports, and Virgin Media to tackle suppliers of illegal streaming services, other IP crimes, and those accessing content unlawfully.
Illegal IPTV services undermine broadcasters’ rights by siphoning off revenue streams, enabling users to access premium content without fair remuneration.
Kieron Sharp, CEO of FACT, commented: “These measures underscore the serious consequences of engaging in such illicit activities. We thank the police services involved for their invaluable assistance in this operation, particularly Cheshire, Nottinghamshire and the North East Regional Crime Unit for executing the warrants.”
“The rise in illegal IPTV operators using modified Firesticks to unlawfully access premium content is a growing concern. This not only infringes upon copyright laws but deprives content creators and distributors of their rightful earnings and disrupts the economic balance of the creative industry.”
“FACT and our partners are steadfast in our commitment to disrupt these criminal operations. This is just the start of our enforcement efforts, with more actions planned.”
Matt Hibbert, Group Director of Anti-Piracy at Sky, added: “The action taken by FACT, police and Sky across the country sends a strong message to those involved in illegal streaming operations that they will be identified, and they will face consequences.”
“We are very grateful to our partners for this latest wave of enforcement, and we will continue to work together to protect consumers from the risks of illegal streams. To this end, Sky proudly supports educational campaigns, including BeStreamWise.com, which highlights the risks and directs consumers to safe ways to enjoy the content they love.”
FACT invites anyone with information about such crimes to report it online at FACT Report it or through Crimestoppers, an independent charity where reports can be made anonymously by calling 0800 555 111 or filling out an online form.