Amazon has issued a stern warning to users of “dodgy” Fire TV Sticks, announcing a new ban targeting illegal streaming apps. The move aims to stop unauthorized access to Premier League matches and premium movies available before their official release.
Recently, users who have sideloaded apps to watch Premier League games or access pirated content at discounted prices have been seeing urgent pop-up alerts on their Fire TV devices. These notifications inform users that apps providing unlicensed content will be disabled.
An example warning message reads: “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. To remove this app now, select Uninstall below.” Amazon says this initiative is intended to “protect both customers and content creators.”
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Amazon Fire TV’s crackdown is rolling out gradually and will systematically disable any apps found to provide unauthorized streaming access. The company emphasizes a thorough review process that identifies unlicensed apps and offers users the option to uninstall them.
Industry expert Paolo Pescatore of PP Foresight supports the ban, stating, “Bottom line, it was about time, and it is the right thing to do. There’s much more the industry can do as a whole. More and more people are streaming illegally, often believing the services are genuine. Sports content, especially, attracts the most attention due to escalating costs.”
With the rise of direct-to-consumer streaming services, illegal access problems are expected to grow. Pescatore underscores that tackling piracy is crucial since it causes significant financial losses to broadcasters and content creators alike. Amazon’s crackdown is a clear step towards protecting the streaming ecosystem from unlicensed consumption.