Amazon’s crackdown on illegal streaming has reached Fire TV Stick users in the UK. The company had previously announced the implementation of new rules to combat unauthorized streaming on its own-brand devices. The popularity of “dodgy” Fire TV Sticks has surged as consumers seek alternatives to rising subscription costs for accessing premium content through pre-installed software enabling free streaming.
With millions of users turning to Fire TV Sticks for unrestricted content, Amazon, in collaboration with the Alliance for Creativity and Entertainment (ACE), is actively blocking apps facilitating access to pirated content. This initiative aims to safeguard creators and customers from potential risks like malware and fraud associated with piracy. The enforcement of the ban began in parts of Europe last November and is now affecting UK users, where some Fire TV Stick owners are experiencing app shutdowns due to unlicensed content usage.
The message displayed to affected users explains that the app has been disabled for providing access to unauthorized content. While not all users are currently impacted, the ongoing crackdown suggests a broader disruption to free streaming on Fire TV Sticks. Additionally, Amazon is restricting the installation of certain apps, with a notification directing users to explore legitimate content options through the Amazon Appstore for customer and creator protection.
The recent actions by Amazon signal a comprehensive effort to combat unauthorized streaming and ensure compliance with content regulations.