Amazon has implemented a ban on illegal streaming for Fire TV Stick owners in the UK. This move, which was announced late last year, aims to prevent unauthorized streaming on Amazon’s own-brand devices. The popularity of ‘dodgy’ Fire TV Sticks has surged as consumers seek alternative ways to access premium content without paying the rising subscription fees.
Millions of users are now utilizing Fire TV Sticks for streaming purposes. Amazon, in collaboration with the Alliance for Creativity and Entertainment (ACE), is actively blocking apps that provide access to pirated content, emphasizing the illegality of piracy and its potential risks such as malware and fraud.
The ban took effect in parts of Europe last November and is now affecting UK users, with some receiving notifications that their apps have been disabled due to unlicensed content. While not all users are currently impacted, it is anticipated that more will face restrictions in the future, signaling the possible end of free streaming on Fire TV Sticks.
In addition to app blockages, Amazon is also restricting the installation of certain apps on Fire TV Sticks, displaying messages indicating that these apps provide access to unlicensed content. The company encourages users to explore legitimate content options available through the Amazon Appstore to protect customers and content creators.