Police in the UK have launched a crackdown on illegal streaming, targeting 30 individuals across the country. One man was arrested in Newport, Wales, for his suspected involvement in illegal IPTV operations, including the sale of illicit Fire Sticks, which are modified to show premium content at a cheap price. The operation aimed to address the distribution of illegal streaming devices, as well as the use of these devices by consumers. Anti-piracy group FACT urged those involved in illegal streaming to stop immediately, warning of serious consequences, including arrests and criminal charges.
The recent enforcement operation follows a major series of raids across Europe that shut down a network used by 22 million people. Raids were conducted in multiple countries, including the UK, Bulgaria, Croatia, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Romania, Sweden, and Switzerland. In Italy, authorities searched 89 properties across 15 regions, seizing servers and IPTV equipment used to facilitate the illegal service. The operation led to the shutdown of one hundred domains and the seizure of equipment, indicating significant revenue generation from illegal streaming activities.
One common method of illegal streaming involves the use of “jailbroken” Fire Sticks, where third-party media server software like Kodi is installed. This modification allows users unrestricted access to features and apps that are not available on the standard device. However, using these devices to stream subscription channels for free is illegal in the UK. Additionally, buying or selling fully-loaded Fire Sticks, which have been modified to access subscription-only channels, is also illegal. The government has warned that these devices are legal only when used to watch legitimate, free-to-air content, but become illegal when used to stream illicit content without paying appropriate subscriptions.
Kieron Sharp, CEO of FACT, emphasized the risks associated with illegal streaming, including exposure to malware, scams, and data theft. He urged users to stick to legitimate providers for entertainment and warned that illegal streaming activities put individuals at legal risk. Police across the UK have been diligent in their efforts to combat illegal streaming, targeting both distributors and users of illegal streaming devices. The recent crackdown targeted individuals in various locations, including London, Cheshire, Kent, and other regions in the UK, illustrating the widespread nature of this issue.
The operation aimed to send a clear message to those involved in illegal streaming that their activities are against the law and carry serious consequences. Law enforcement agencies are committed to tracking down and shutting down illegal streaming operations to protect consumers and legitimate content providers. Users of illegal streaming services are also warned about the risks involved and encouraged to opt for legitimate entertainment options. The successful enforcement actions in the UK and across Europe highlight the collaborative efforts of authorities to tackle the criminality associated with illegal streaming and protect the interests of content creators and consumers.
