Viewers and owners of the Fire Sticks are being told to on high alert
12:58, 11 Nov 2025Updated 05:31, 14 Nov 2025
Amazon Fire TV Stick crackdown begins with UK households facing ‘home visit’
An Amazon TV Stick crackdown on free streams is set to be launched – with people told it is a “welcome step”. Viewers and owners of the Fire Sticks are being told to on high alert amid a crackdown on the devices, which can be retrofitted to become dodgy.
The crackdown on side-loading is a “welcome step in tackling the growing threat of illegal streaming apps,” FACT Chairman Kieron Sharp has told GB News.
Sharp said: “Amazon’s move to block sideloading on the latest Fire TV Stick is a welcome step in tackling the growing threat of illegal streaming apps. These unverified services aren’t just unlawful, they expose users to serious risks, including data theft, malware and fraud.
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“FACT continues to run nationwide cease-and-desist campaigns targeting sellers and operators of illegal devices, and we’re urging consumers to stay safe by using legitimate platforms.
“Through the BeStreamWise campaign, which FACT supports, we’re helping people understand the risks of illegal streaming and find trusted, legal alternatives.”
Using or distributing ‘jailbroken’ fire sticks is against the law. The maximum punishment is a £1,000 fine – which could reach £2,000 if you live in Guernsey.
FACT said it “constantly monitors the digital landscape to combat illegal streaming activities in the UK and Ireland.”
“We utilise a range of methods to identify individuals engaged in unauthorised businesses that offer access to illegal streams,” it adds in a statement.
“One of these methods is through our partnership with Crimestoppers to make it as easy as possible to report illegal streaming, and over the past year, we have seen a significant increase in the number of reports directly linked to Fire Sticks and illegal streaming.
“These reports are then investigated by our Intelligence Unit, and followed up with a rolling programme of action which includes issuing ‘Cease and Desist’ letters and conducting nationwide ‘Knock and Talks’.
“These home visits, undertaken in conjunction with law enforcement, serve to inform individuals about their activities and the immediate need to cease and desist or face further action or prosecution.
“We also work in close collaboration with law enforcement to gather further evidence to actively pursue legal actions against these criminal entities.”