Dodgy Fire Stick users are being identified and given two week legal action warning
Illegal streaming is more common than ever in the UK but police and TV companies are teaming up to bring an end to it for once and all.
Amid the cost of living crisis, it's no surprise that people are seeking out alternative methods to get their TV fix, especially when it comes to streaming live sporting events.
Subscribing to the various streaming sites including Sky Sports, TNT Sport, Amazon Prime and DAZN can set you back thousands of pounds each year, so for a lot of people, the prospect of paying a small yearly sum isn't easy to turn down.
However, the likes of Amazon and Sky are now looking to come down hard on illegal streamers who are accessing their content for free, teaming up with police who are already handing out hefty sentences to those who supply the streams.
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A recent update confirmed that Sky would be able to access banking details and names after a landmark court case, and now it seems as if the TV giant has been able to identify hundreds of people as a result.
Sky had launched civil action against Revolut Bank UAB, after 304 subscribers had used the banking app to access pirated content, and victory in the legal case has allowed the British broadcaster to identify more than 200 users.
"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," a Sky spokesperson told the Irish Times.
"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."
It comes after five members of a gang were jailed after setting up an illegal streaming empire that saw them pocket over £7 million, with police now ordering the criminals to pay it back.
While there's always been a jeopardy attached to those who who were setting up the illegal streams, that warning has now been extended to users, with TV companies naturally furious about people accessing their content without paying.
Sky has made it clear it will no longer tolerate it and confirmed that anyone who is found guilty of using an illicit device to stream its content could face criminal charges under Section 11 of the 2006 Fraud Act.
A Sky spokesperson said (via The Daily Mail): "At Sky, we invest significantly in protecting our content, which can include taking action against those who watch Sky without paying the proper subscription fee.
"We of course ensure that any action we take is compliant with all applicable laws."
So, even if you've avoided the cease-and-desist letter for now, this crackdown is only going to intensify as companies are permitted to access more data and details, so it might be best to call it a day if you do own a dodgy fire stick.
After all, you wouldn't want to be banged up for England's first World Cup win in 60 years, would you?
Topics: Cost of Living
James Moorhouse