In the UK, owners of Fire TV Stick are now facing a crackdown on illegal streaming by Amazon. The tech giant had previously announced this change to combat the unauthorized use of its own-brand devices for streaming premium content without proper subscriptions. The rise in popularity of illicit Fire TV Sticks has been notable as consumers seek alternative ways to access premium content due to increasing subscription costs.

Amazon, along with the Alliance for Creativity and Entertainment (ACE), has initiated a program to block apps identified as offering pirated content, including those acquired outside the official Appstore. The company emphasized the illegality of piracy and its efforts to protect creators and customers from potential risks like malware and fraud.

The enforcement of the ban started in parts of Europe last November, and now UK users are experiencing restrictions on certain apps. Some Fire TV Stick users in the UK are receiving messages indicating that the apps they are using have been disabled due to unlicensed content access. The impact of the ban varies, affecting some users while others continue to stream without interruption based on their device and installed apps.

The recent measures by Amazon also include blocking the installation of certain apps on Fire TV Sticks, with users encountering messages stating the apps provide access to unlicensed content. Amazon directs users to explore legitimate content options available through the Amazon Appstore to safeguard customers and content creators.

This development signals a significant shift in the accessibility of free streaming on Fire TV Sticks and reflects Amazon’s commitment to combating piracy and protecting intellectual property rights.