Homes that currently enjoy cheap access to premium content via so-called ‘dodgy’ Fire TV Sticks are in for a shock.Amazon has announced that it is cracking down on illegal streaming, with any apps found to be offering content without permission being instantly blocked.The major change has already started in Europe, with UK users set to be hit by the ban in the coming months.
Amazon says it is making the change to protect both users and content creators.Read more: Your Amazon Echo gets a free boost with 12 new things to ask Alexa this week Read more: Argos offers you the ultimate Fire TV Stick upgrade at 'lowest ever' price "Piracy is illegal, and we’ve always worked to block it from our Appstore," an Amazon spokesperson told Express.co.uk .Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT"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.”This upcoming change could prompt some users to seek alternative methods for streaming illegally, including switching to other readily available set-top devices advertised on social media and the web.
Article continues below ADVERTISEMENTHowever, experts are now issuing a new alert about this growing trend and ignoring it could leave homes seriously out of pocket or with devices full of malware.Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT Tech news, reviews and latest gadgets plus selected offers and competitions Subscribe Invalid emailWe use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you.This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding.
You can unsubscribe at any time.Read our Privacy PolicyGet More of Our News on GoogleSet Daily Express as a 'Preferred Source' to get quicker access to the news you value.“With household budgets under real strain, we’re seeing many people take risks they wouldn’t normally consider, including turning to dubious IPTV boxes,” said Sebastien Lahtinen, Director of Thinkbroadband.com.“The problem is that these devices often come with unknown software which could be used to run malware, harvest your personal data, or potentially use your Internet connection for botnets.
For the sake of saving a few pounds a month, people can end up taking some very real cybersecurity risks.”Yes, these gadgets do sometimes offer full access to sports, movies and entertainment at a fraction of the cost of platforms such as Sky and Virgin.But they do also come with a serious risk, and with Fire TV Sticks about to be blocked, more people may end up switching to a box that has hidden dangers.These devices often come with unknown software which could be used to run malwareThis time of year can exacerbate the situation.New research from BeStreamWise has revealed that 38 percent of Brits would consider streaming content through unofficial sources over the Christmas break, but nearly nine in ten aren’t fully considering the risks when doing soThe warning comes as a bumper Christmas is expected for giving and receiving connected devices for streaming, such as smartphones and tablets.Rob Shapland, an ethical hacker with 16 years’ experience in cyber security, said: “Illegal streaming over the festive period could turn Christmas viewing into a costly mistake, particularly this year when more devices than ever are connected in our homes.“It’s just not worth it.Those turning to illegal streaming sites or apps are exposing themselves to phishing attacks, malware, malicious ads and compromised platforms designed specifically to harvest personal and financial data.
Instead, enjoy the brilliant Christmas TV schedule in a safe – and legal – way.”
