Amazon’s popular Fire TV Sticks, known for offering easy access to premium entertainment like movies and sports at affordable prices, are facing a crackdown on unauthorized streaming channels such as Sky Sports. The company has announced plans to block unofficial apps that facilitate access to pirated content.
According to an Amazon spokesperson speaking to Mirror Online, the company is intensifying efforts to combat piracy by blocking apps identified as enabling access to pirated content, in collaboration with the Alliance for Creativity and Entertainment (ACE).
While the enforcement has not yet been fully implemented, some users are already receiving warning messages on their screens. AFTVnews reported that launching a suspicious app triggers an on-screen alert notifying users that the app has been flagged for providing access to unlicensed content.
Although users can still choose to open the flagged apps, the warning signals Amazon’s detection of the activity, hinting at a potential ban in the near future. The exact timeline for the complete blocking initiative has not been confirmed, but it is expected to begin in Europe before impacting UK devices.
Despite the crackdown on illegal streaming, concerns remain regarding the underlying issue of escalating subscription costs. Media analyst Paolo Pescatore noted that while the crackdown is a positive step, consumers are feeling the strain of rising fees as broadcasters pass on the costs of securing live sports rights.
Pescatore highlighted the challenges consumers face due to the increasing costs, leading to a fragmented viewing experience. The move by Amazon to curb piracy is seen as a necessary measure, but the broader issue of affordability in accessing premium content remains a pressing concern for users.