Overview
- Amazon will block piracy-related apps on all Fire TV devices, including those sideloaded, with enforcement already live in France and Germany and a global rollout in the coming weeks.
- The latest Fire TV Stick 4K Select runs Vega OS, which removes the ability to sideload and limits downloads to the Amazon Appstore.
- Police and anti-piracy teams report 2025 raids across 17 UK areas, while Irish authorities served 13 legal notices to IPTV operators that led to shutdowns, deleted profiles, terminated subscriptions and paid settlements.
- FACT and law enforcement warn that modified devices expose users to cyber risks, with BeStreamWise reporting 40% of surveyed illegal streamers suffered financial fraud averaging £1,680 and one in ten losing over £7,500.
- Penalties are escalating, with a supplier jailed for two years earlier this year and FACT stating suppliers can face fines up to £50,000, with viewers also at risk of costly sanctions.