Urgent Fire TV Stick alert issued as new illegal streaming ban confirmed - The Mirror

Fire TV Sticks will soon be blocked from illegal apps, and that means some might look for new ways to stream content.

UK Households currently enjoying low-cost access to premium TV through so-called “dodgy” Fire TV Sticks will soon face a massive change. Amazon recently confirmed it is stepping up efforts to clamp down on illegal streaming via its popular devices, with apps side-loaded onto them set to be blocked immediately if they are deemed to be unauthorised. The crackdown has already begun across parts of Europe, and UK users are expected to feel the full impact in the coming months. According to Amazon, the move is designed to protect both customers and content creators.

Speaking to Mirror Online, an Amazon spokesperson said, “Piracy is illegal, and we’ve always worked to block it from our Appstore.

“Through an expanded programme led by the Alliance for Creativity and Entertainment (ACE), a global coalition combating digital piracy, we’ll now block apps identified as offering access to pirated content, including those installed 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.”

Once this update kicks in, Fire TV Stick users will suddenly lose access to swathes of content, including sports and movies.

As a result, some viewers may soon be tempted to look for other illegal ways to stream, such as switching to alternative set-top boxes widely promoted on social media and online marketplaces.

However, experts are now warning that this trend carries serious risks, and ignoring those warnings could leave households financially exposed or saddled with infected devices.

“With household budgets under real pressure, we’re seeing people take risks they wouldn’t normally consider, including turning to dubious IPTV boxes,” said Sebastien Lahtinen, Director of Thinkbroadband.com.

“The issue is that these devices often contain unknown software that can be used to install malware, harvest personal data, or even hijack your internet connection for botnets. Trying to save a few pounds a month can end up creating major cybersecurity problems.”

While these gadgets can appear tempting by offering access to sports, films and TV at a fraction of the cost of services like Virgin, BT or Sky, the hidden dangers are significant.

With Fire TV Sticks increasingly restricted, more users may be drawn toward alternatives that pose even greater risks.

The advice is clear: if your device gets blocked, be very careful before switching to another streaming box, especially if it's purchased online via social media.