![\"BERLIN,](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/SEI_252815954-b18c-e1765459259488.jpg\")
\n\t\tThe devices are plugged into TV sets, allowing them to stream content via the internet (Picture: Photothek\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n
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\n\t\tThe devices are plugged into TV sets, allowing them to stream content via the internet (Picture: Photothek\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n
People who own \u2018dodgy\u2019 Amazon <\/a>Fire TV Sticks are now receiving a warning reminding them their viewing habits are, well, dodgy. <\/p>\n The sticks, also called \u2018modded\u2019 sticks<\/a>, see suppliers install unofficial streaming apps, so users can watch costly content for free.<\/p>\n Some 1.5 million adults have illegally streamed in the past six months using jailbroken Amazon Fire TV Sticks, according to a YouGov poll<\/a>.<\/p>\n Amazon has increasingly cracked down on the knock-off tech<\/a>, with users now being shown a warning if they\u2019re using an illegal app. <\/p>\n The alert reads: \u2018Warning. One or more apps on your device have been identified as using or providing access to unlicensed content, including this app, and will be disabled<\/a>. <\/p>\n \u2018To remove this app now, select \u201cUninstall\u201d.\u2019<\/p>\n \t\t Users can, however, simply close the warning and continue watching premium entertainment\u00a0or channels like Sky Sports<\/a> for free.<\/p>\n But \u2018obtaining services dishonestly\u2019, as the law says, can land someone with up to five years in prison<\/a>.<\/p>\n People\u2019s days of doing this are numbered \u2013 the warnings will soon be replaced by a pop-up saying the blocked app can\u2019t even be used. <\/p>\n Which pirated streaming apps will be blacklisted is unclear, according to AFTVnews<\/a>. But the ban will be rolled out in Europe before the UK.<\/p>\n Amazon knows if an app is unofficial or not by peeking into its \u2018package name\u2019, the software\u2019s unique name that identifies the app. <\/p>\n Yet dodgy Fire Stick sellers have already found a few ways to get around this, including \u2018cloning\u2019 services or apps to tweak the name. <\/p>\n \t\t\t\tWhy is Amazon targeting ‘dodgy’ Fire TV Stick users so much now?\t\t\t<\/p>\n David Ingham, head of media, entertainment and sport at tech consultancy\u00a0Cognizant<\/a>, told Metro <\/strong>that Amazon has long been reluctant to stop illegal streamers.<\/p>\n \u2018Many technology companies or social platforms take this stance as they don\u2019t want to be responsible for proactive monitoring,\u2019 Ingham said. <\/p>\n \u2018Lately, however, we have seen a change in Amazon\u2019s approach to this, with them proactively blocking known piracy applications on the devices.\u00a0 <\/p>\n \u2018While I don\u2019t have inside information on this, I suspect this is because Amazon has been investing more in sports rights over the years \u2013 they are currently in the mix for the new cycle of UEFA Champions League rights \u2013 and they may want to be viewed as proactively protecting rights holders value to continue being considered for those auctions.\u2019<\/p>\n Amazon told Metro <\/strong>that the company is working with the anti-piracy group, Alliance for Creativity and Entertainment (ACE), to identify unofficial apps.<\/p>\n A spokesperson added: \u2018This builds on our ongoing efforts to support creators and protect customers, as piracy can also expose users to malware, viruses, and fraud.\u2019<\/p>\n There are other reasons not to use dodgy Fire TV sticks, an expert previously told Metro<\/a><\/strong>. <\/p>\n The portable streaming devices are plugged into a TV to facilitate streaming via the internet. <\/p>\n Ethical hacker Rob Shapland said tinkered Fire sticks can make people\u2019s electronic devices vulnerable to malware and hacking. <\/p>\n Shapland said: \u201dPeople assume that because their friend bought one, there\u2019s no downside.<\/p>\n \u2018By buying one of these devices, you risk downloading malware onto your phone<\/a> or laptop \u2013 you\u2019re doing hackers\u2019 jobs for them.\u2019<\/p>\n Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@metro.co.uk<\/a>.<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n For more stories like this, <\/strong>check our news page<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n Arrow Arrow Arrow![\"Tokyo\/Japan](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/SEI_232942519-0b3b.jpg\")
\n\t\tAmazon will soon ban illegal streaming apps (Picture: Shutterstock\/Picturesque Japan)<\/p>\n
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