Dodgy Fire Stick users in the UK have been warned they could face legal action from Sky. The broadcaster is looking to clamp down on people illegally streaming Premier League matches, and has already sent addresses in Ireland.
They’re said to give individuals two weeks to provide a written commitment not to stream content. If they do, it’s said Sky would consider legal action against them, having won an Irish High Court case to have the addresses of 300 dodgy box users handed over.
They launched the action against Revolut Bank UAB, after it became clear over 300 people used the bank to pay pirated content resellers. A spokesperson told the Irish Times: “Sky can confirm it has issued a first wave of cease-and-desist letters to c.200 individuals who paid for an unlawful subscription to the illegal IPTV is Easy service.
“Where an individual does not engage with us following receipt of this letter, Sky is prepared to pursue legal action. This may include seeking an injunction, damages arising from the infringement, and recovery of legal costs. This is illegal as Sky owns the legal rights to the Sky channels.”
It’s suggested by The Daily Mail that many illegal streaming accounts use feeds from Irish Sky boxes to transmit content to the UK. Dodgy Fire Sticks use third-party software, which allows users to watch content from providers like Sky, as well as other premium broadcasters.
The use is deemed a crime in the UK, with Federation Against Copyright Theft (FACT) also targeting those who continue to watch streamed content. Police have warned that buying dodgy fire sticks does help fund organised crime, and software uploaded to the sticks can steal personal information, including banking details.
The findings from a recent Dynata study read: “1 in 3 (32%) people who illegally stream in the UK say they, or someone they know, have been a victim of fraud, scams, or identity theft as a result.”
It’s said that the hackers who provide the software will often load malware onto the devices, which can expose private personal data. The hidden apps on the dodgy sticks can allow hackers access to information such as bank details.