Brits set to be blocked from illegal streaming after new Fire Stick clampdown

Gethin Hicks

Published December 5, 2024 3:01pm Updated December 5, 2024 3:18pm

BERLIN, GERMANY - JANUARY 05: The remote control of an Amazon fire TV stick is pictured on January 05, 2022 in Berlin, Germany. (Photo by Thomas Trutschel/Photothek via Getty Images) — Police have began arresting those selling illicit streaming services (Source: Photothek)

A new Fire TV Stick crackdown will see UK citizens blocked from streaming sports and movies.

The team at Federation Against Copyright Theft (FACT), along with the police, recently carried out a two-week long major clampdown on ‘dodgy sticks’ as more than 30 suppliers were targeted.

Those individuals were visited in person, all across the country, and issued a cease-and-desist notice instructing them to stop the illegal activity or face criminal prosecution.

FACT have again warned that those using illicit streaming services ‘risk facing serious consequences’ – as some culprits brutally found out.

A 42-year-old male from Newport, South Wales, was arrested on suspicion of involvement in illegal operations, including the sale of illicit Firesticks. He is still under investigation.

Jonothan Edge was jailed for selling ‘dodgy sticks’ (Credit: LIVERPOOL ECHO / GETTY)

And a 29-year-old man from Liverpool, named Jonothan Edge, was handed a three-year and four-month prison sentence after ignoring a cease-and-desist to continue selling the ‘dodgy sticks.’

FACT’s CEO, Kieron Sharp, said: ‘Our cease-and-desist measures are not just warnings—they are the first step toward holding offenders accountable.

‘Many who ignored these notices in the past are now facing arrest and criminal charges. We strongly advise anyone involved in these activities to stop immediately.

‘If you’re supplying or using illicit streaming devices or illegal IPTV subscriptions, take this as a clear warning: you are breaking the law and risk facing serious consequences.’

The clampdown on illegal streaming has not gone down too well with the general public, however, many of whom choose to watch sports and movies through streaming as they cannot afford Sky TV, for instance.

Millions of people across Britain are streaming sport and movies illegally(Credits: Getty Images/Maskot)

One user, who bought a Fire Stick a year ago, told Mail Online: ‘My dad bought one first to access the sports, then I bought one and my sisters have them too. I’ve told my boyfriend to get one and he’s persuaded his mum, so we’re all doing it!