Amazon is launching a major offensive against illegal streaming content on its popular Fire TV Stick devices. The tech giant has announced stricter measures to block applications that distribute pirated content across all Fire TV Stick models, both new and existing.
The Scale of Streaming Piracy
According to revelations from The Athletic FC Podcast's episode titled "The Underground World of Illegal Streaming," Amazon Fire Sticks have become significant players in the growing sports piracy market. Research data from YouGov Sport reveals alarming statistics: approximately 4.7 million adults in the UK watched illegal streams during the past six months.
The breakdown of streaming methods shows that about 31% of illegal streamers used Fire Stick devices and other IPTV (Internet Protocol Television) tools. This makes Fire Sticks the second most common method for accessing pirated content, trailing only behind websites which account for 42% of illegal streaming activity.
Amazon's New Security Measures
Amazon recently launched the new Fire TV Stick 4K Select model, which features enhanced security through the updated Vega operating system. The key improvement prevents users from downloading apps outside Amazon's official app store, effectively reducing the device's potential for misuse in piracy activities.
While Fire Stick devices themselves are completely legal products, the software installed on them often creates legal complications. Earlier versions of Fire TV Stick faced criticism from sports rights holders and broadcasters due to their open developer framework, which made installing unauthorized third-party applications relatively easy.
These unauthorized apps typically provide access to illegal streaming platforms charging between £40 and £60 ($50 to $80) per year – significantly cheaper than legitimate sports subscriptions. However, this cheap access often contributes to funding criminal networks operating in the digital space.
Global Implementation and Industry Support
Amazon has confirmed that its anti-piracy campaign will affect both new and existing Fire TV Stick devices globally. The company emphasized that registered developers will continue to have access for legitimate purposes.
In an official statement to The Athletic, an Amazon spokesperson declared: "Piracy is illegal and we've always worked to block it from our app store. We'll now block apps identified as providing access to pirated content, including those downloaded from outside our app store."
The company is collaborating with the Alliance for Creativity and Entertainment (ACE), an organization representing over 50 media companies. Larissa Knapp, Chief Content Protection Officer at the Motion Picture Association, expressed support for Amazon's initiative, stating: "We're committed to helping them succeed in this space." She highlighted the importance of intelligence sharing and partnerships in combating rapidly adapting criminal operations.
The anti-piracy rollout has already commenced in Germany and France, with plans for global expansion. The Athletic reported that Amazon has already blocked several applications linked to illegal streaming, some of which were suspected of containing malware. Amazon reinforced that "safeguarding our customers' security is of the utmost importance" in their ongoing efforts.
