Amazon has made a move to crack down on the use of unauthorized streaming apps on Fire TV Stick devices. These ‘dodgy’ Fire TV Sticks have gained popularity due to their access to premium sports and movies at a fraction of the cost of official platforms like Sky.
As a response to the cost-of-living crisis driving many to illegal streaming, Amazon has announced that it will block apps suspected of offering illegal streams. The company emphasized its commitment to combating piracy and protecting customers from potential risks such as malware, viruses, and fraud.
Following an initiative by the Alliance for Creativity and Entertainment (ACE), Amazon will now prevent the use of apps identified as facilitating access to pirated content, even if downloaded from sources outside the Amazon Appstore. Users will receive notifications explaining why specific apps are being blocked and will lose access to those services.
While Amazon will still allow sideloading of applications and continue supporting official streaming apps like Disney+, Netflix, and Prime Video, the crackdown on unauthorized streaming apps aims to make it more challenging for viewers to access content without a legitimate subscription.
This update is set to roll out in Europe initially, with UK users also expected to be affected in the future. While this move may deter illegal streaming to some extent, it does not address the root cause of why people turn to unauthorized sources in the first place.
Analysts view Amazon’s actions as a positive step towards combating piracy, although challenges remain due to the rising costs of accessing content through legitimate channels. Despite the risks associated with illegal streaming, such as exposure to malware and inappropriate content, the convenience and cost savings have attracted many users. The crackdown by Amazon could mark a significant shift in how viewers access premium content online.