The crackdown on illegal streaming is intensifying with one of the biggest operations ever targeting the UK.
There’s been a massive boom in illegal streaming during the past few years with UK homes looking for cheaper ways to watch premium content such as movies and Premier League action. A quick search online – or via social media – usually reveals swathes of adverts selling so-called ‘dodgy’ Fire TV Sticks which offer instant access to hundreds of channels for an upfront fee or small yearly payment.
This type of illegal streaming is growing in popularity but that also means it’s not gone unnoticed by the authorities or content providers.
Over the past few years, there have been numerous attempts to shut things down, now the UK has just witnessed one of the biggest operations ever aimed at stemming the flow of devices ending up in homes.
A total of 40 providers of loaded Fire TV Sticks were identified, investigated, and served with official warnings by the team at FACT.
The busts were made in areas such as London, South East England, West Midlands, North West, North East, North Wales and Scotland.
As well as warnings being issued, three people were also been arrested as part of the new clampdown. So-called ‘fully loaded’ devices, which come ready to watch premium content for free, were also seized and are currently undergoing forensic examination.
Sky has also confirmed that it is also actively working to remove listings and social media posts selling illegal IPTV subscriptions and ‘loaded’ Firesticks in the UK and Ireland with over 3,000 taken down so far.
Speaking about the latest crackdown on streaming, Kieron Sharp, FACT CEO, said: “These measures underscore the serious consequences of engaging in such illicit activities. We thank the police services involved for their invaluable assistance in this operation.
“The rise in illegal IPTV operators using modified Firesticks to unlawfully access premium content is a growing concern. This not only infringes upon copyright laws but deprives content creators and distributors of their rightful earnings and disrupts the economic balance of the creative industry.
“FACT and our partners are steadfast in our commitment to disrupt these criminal operations. This is just the start of our enforcement efforts, with more actions planned.”
And Matt Hibbert, Group Director of Anti-Piracy at Sky, added: “The action taken by FACT, police and Sky across the country sends a strong message to those involved in illegal streaming operations that they will be identified, and they will face consequences.
“We are very grateful to our partners for this latest wave of enforcement, and we will continue to work together to protect consumers from the risks of illegal streams. To this end, Sky proudly supports educational campaigns, including BeStreamWise.com, which highlights the risks and directs consumers to safe ways to enjoy the content they love.”
