Streaming Premier League football and blockbuster films for free using a modified Amazon Fire TV Stick could now lead to a knock at the door from authorities. A major nationwide crackdown on so-called 'dodgy' or 'jailbroken' devices is intensifying, with thousands of users reportedly losing access to illicit content just before Christmas.
What Are 'Dodgy' Fire Sticks and Why Is the Crackdown Happening?
These devices are standard Amazon Fire TV Sticks that have been hacked by unauthorised vendors to install apps providing access to premium TV, sports, and movie channels without paying subscriptions. The Federation Against Copyright Theft (FACT), working with police forces, is leading the charge against the networks that sell and support these illegal streaming services.
Under pressure from this enforcement, many illicit service providers have abruptly cut off customers. One user from Rutherglen was told by their seller that operations were "too risky at the moment" and services had stopped until new ways to avoid detection were found. Another customer was bluntly informed, "We are not Marks & Spencer. We don't do refunds or returns."
The Legal and Security Risks for Users
Using or distributing these modified sticks is a breach of the Fraud Act and can result in substantial fines. People watching live TV, including sports, without a valid TV licence risk a maximum penalty of £1,000, or up to £2,000 in Guernsey. In a notable case from November 2024, Jonathan Edge, 29, from Liverpool, was jailed for three years for selling and using illegal Fire Sticks.
Beyond legal trouble, cybersecurity experts warn of severe personal risks. Two in five users of such devices have reportedly lost money after being financially hacked. Ethical hacker Rob Shapland emphasised that the apps and websites facilitating illegal streaming are often riddled with malware. "By buying one of these devices you risk downloading malware onto your phone or laptop – you're doing hackers' jobs for them," he told Metro.
Full List of UK Areas Targeted in Enforcement Action
FACT states it constantly reviews intelligence to target areas where data shows illegal streaming is prevalent. Recent enforcement actions have been reported in the following regions:
- London
- Kent
- Sussex
- Norfolk
- Northamptonshire
- Lincolnshire
- Derbyshire
- Staffordshire
- East and West Midlands
- Greater Manchester
- Cheshire
- Merseyside
- Northumbria
- North Yorkshire
- South Wales
- North East England
- North West England
- South Lanarkshire, near Glasgow
In Scotland, the Sunday Post reported that thousands lost access after three major operations in South Lanarkshire were shut down. A previous crackdown in 2024 saw over 30 suppliers targeted, with a 42-year-old man arrested in Newport and others served with cease-and-desist letters.
Tech Changes and Industry Pressure
Adding to the pressure on illegal streamers, Amazon has made a key change to its new Fire TV Stick 4K Select. It now runs on a proprietary operating system called Vega instead of Android, making it much harder to 'sideload' unauthorised apps. The new device also currently blocks the use of VPNs, a crucial tool for hiding illicit streaming activity.
Kieron Sharp, Chairman of FACT, said the combination of enforcement and Amazon's security upgrade is having a "real deterrent effect." He warned, "If you're supplying or using illicit streaming devices... you are breaking the law and risk facing serious consequences." The Premier League is also actively involved, using forensics and private prosecutions to tackle illegal sports streaming.
