Overview
- Amazon began enforcing stricter anti-piracy measures from November, rolling out OS-level changes that block sideloaded apps and restrict VPN circumvention on Fire Sticks.
- Some owners are reported to be searching for alternative devices or apps to continue illicit streaming despite the tightened controls.
- FACT chair Kieron Sharp cautions that many illicit services are operated by criminal networks that can compromise devices and harvest bank details.
- ESET’s Jake Moore warns that illegal streaming apps often demand permissions that can grant access to personal data and payment information without users realising.
- Sky anti-piracy lead Matt Hibbert backs the crackdown and says effective enforcement requires broader tech platform cooperation, with sports streams a prime target for illegal services.