Dangerous Fire Stick users in the UK have been warned that they could face legal action from Sky. The broadcaster aims to crack down on people illegally streaming Premier League matches and has already sent addresses to Ireland.
It is said to give individuals two weeks to submit a written commitment not to stream the content. If it does, it is said that Sky will win the case in the Irish High Court and consider legal action against the 300 dodgy box users, asking them to hand over their addresses.
They filed a lawsuit against Revolut Bank UAB after it was revealed that more than 300 people were using the bank to make payments to pirated content resellers. A spokesperson told The Irish Times: “Sky can confirm that it has issued the first round of cease and desist letters to around 200 individuals who paid illegal subscription fees to its illegal IPTV is Easy service.”
“If an individual does not engage with us after receiving this letter, Sky will be prepared to take legal action. This may include a claim for an injunction, damages arising from the infringement and recovery of legal costs. This is unlawful as Sky owns the legal rights to the Sky channels.”
The Daily Mail suggests that many illegal streaming accounts are using feeds from Irish Sky boxes to send content to the UK. The Dodgy Fire Stick uses third-party software that allows users to watch content from providers such as Sky and other premium broadcasters.
This use is considered a crime in the UK, and the Federation Against Copyright Theft (FACT) is also targeting users who continue to watch streaming content. Police warned that purchasing dangerous fire extinguishers could lead to funding for organized crime and that software uploaded to the sticks could steal personal information, including bank account details.
A recent Dynata study states: “One in three people (32%) who stream illegally in the UK say they or someone they know has become a victim of fraud, fraud or identity theft as a result.”
It is said that hackers providing software often load malware onto devices, which can potentially leak private personal data. Apps hidden on dangerous sticks could allow hackers to access information such as bank details.
