Dodgy Fire Sticks UK: What they’re and the way police detect unlawful streaming
The use of dodgy Fire Sticks is on the rise in homes across the country, with many unaware of the potential repercussions if they’re caught using one.
As previously reported by the ECHO, it’s estimated that nearly five million people across the UK have used illegal sports streaming services. Organisations such as the Premier League, Sky and FACT (Federation Against Copyright Theft) are working in conjunction with law enforcement to stamp out this activity.
What is a dodgy Fire Stick?
The Fire TV Stick has gained popularity in recent years(Image: Amazon)
A ‘dodgy Fire Stick’, also known as ‘illicit streaming’, refers to physical boxes that connect to your TV or USB sticks, like an Amazon Fire stick, which are used to view content without the copyright owner’s permission on smart TVs, laptops or mobile phones.
While many devices can be used, the most common are “jailbroken” Fire Sticks, which have been equipped with third-party media server applications, reports the Liverpool Echo.
These devices are legal when used to watch free content, but become illegal when modified to stream TV programmes, films and subscription sports channels without paying the relevant subscription fee.
How to spot one
Dodgy Fire Sticks can be identified if you’re watching TV programmes, films or sporting events that you’d normally pay for, but haven’t, such as sporting events broadcast by BT Sport.
The government website cautions customers to steer clear of these devices as some have failed EU safety standards and pose a genuine threat to the public, potentially sparking a fire in your home or business premises.
GOV. UK also alerts that these devices ‘lack parental controls’ and might expose children or young people to explicit or age-inappropriate material.
The website additionally provides guidance on what to do if you already possess an illegal box, stating: “These devices can be used legally by removing the software. If you are unsure get advice to help you use the device legally. If you wish to watch content that’s only available via subscription, such as sports, you should approach the relevant provider to find out about legal ways to watch.”
How do police know if you’re using a dodgy Fire Stick?
Officers and anti-piracy organisations like FACT can trace illegal or modified “dodgy” Fire Sticks by capturing unlawful streaming server records, examining financial and banking payment trails, and following customer databases seized during raids on major suppliers.
They can also utilise digital postcodes, which means every connection a device makes relies on a unique IP address linked to a home internet router. Investigators additionally collaborate with Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to match those active streaming IP addresses directly to subscriber names and home billing addresses.
What if you are caught using or selling a dodgy Fire Stick?
Police can issue fines (stock)(Image: Getty Images)
Those found illegally streaming content could face fines running into thousands of pounds, as well as the potential for up to 12 months in prison.
Copyright owners such as Sky or even the Premier League can take civil legal action to recoup lost earnings. It’s deemed an offence of “obtaining services dishonestly” under the Fraud Act 2006 which could also lead to up to 12 months behind bars.
For more serious crimes, like supplying or distributing devices on a commercial scale, the outcome could be up to five years in prison.
FACT has also cautioned that those supplying or watching content could face penalties reaching £50,000 for using modified Fire Sticks to unlawfully access Sky and Premier League broadcasts.
This week Craig Austin dodged a prison sentence after confessing to selling dodgy Fire Sticks. The NHS worker raked in over £200,000 and amassed more than 1,000 customers by promoting his service on social media.
An anti-piracy investigator from Sky estimated that, if the more than 1,000 subscribers had paid legitimately for the entertainment packages throughout the entire duration of his offending, the company would have pocketed £3,661,908.48.
Austin pleaded guilty to three counts of making or supplying an article for use in fraud and acquiring criminal property. He was given a 32-month prison sentence suspended for three years with 150 hours of unpaid work and a rehabilitation activity requirement of up to 20 days.
