A strong crackdown has been launched on people who stream TV illegally - with high profile raids on illegal operations.
UK authorities are working had to combat the offence, especially the Police Intellectual Property Crime Unit (PIPCU). They are working in conjunction with internet service providers, and efforts have increased in the Digital Economy Act was passed in 2017 - which has seen providers and viewers of illegal streaming services targeted by agencies.
The legislation gave UK law authorities more robust tools to aggressively pursue and prosecute those involved in digital piracy. In the UK, it's an offence to illegal stream under copyright law.
Perpetrators can face huge fines and imprisonment, with terms up to ten years. Individuals found distributing illegal streams have faced fines upwards of £50,000.
Viewers who make the most of TV illegal streaming typically face less fines, but can be penalised of up to several thousand pounds. As well as that, people have been warned of the cyber risks associated with using illegal streaming websites.
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Fire Sticks are being adapted to host illegal streaming services (Bloomberg via Getty Images)Unauthorised sites frequently host malware and other cyber threats that can compromise personal data and damage devices. The security risks associated with illegal streaming are substantial, often resulting in severe data theft or hardware issues for unsuspecting users, BirminghamLive reported.
Alex Hemming a sports analyst from warns: "The risks associated with illegal streaming of sports in the UK are significant and multifaceted. The potential for hefty fines, criminal prosecution, and personal data compromise makes illegal streaming a risky endeavour. With more legitimate streaming options available than ever, choosing to view sports through official channels is not only the legal choice but the smarter one."
It comes as adapted Fire TV Sticks continue to boom in popularity with many now offering ways to tune into premium TV - including Sky Sports and Cinema - without paying the usual high price. Criminals are cashing in on this telly-viewing practice with many offering "fully loaded" Fire TV Sticks for a one-off price or small monthly payment.
It's big business but it's not gone unnoticed by the authorities with UK police recently targeting sellers in a major crackdown. Raids have taken place across the whole of the country with one person arrested and a further 10 interviewed under caution.
The operation took place in conjunction with FACT and the Premier League with the aim of shutting down illegal streaming. Although users of the actual devices weren't targeted by the action, police are warning about the risks involved of using modified gadgets.
“Illegal streaming is a huge issue for the industry and while it may seem like a low-risk, high-reward crime, the proceeds are used to fund other serious forms of criminal activity. At the same time, it can expose end users to the risks of data theft, fraud and malware," explained Detective Chief Inspector Emma Warbey, from the Police Intellectual Property Crime Unit (PIPCU) at City of London Police.
“By targeting grassroots sellers, we are sending out a clear message that this will not be tolerated. PIPCU will continue to work with partners across law enforcement and the industry to take action against those who provide illegal streaming services and protect consumers against the risks associated with using them.”
Genuine Firestick devices that haven't been tampered with cost £44.99 on Amazon, while alternative legitimate TV streaming devices include the Roku Express HD Streaming Device which is £29.99 at Argos.
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