Amazon Takes Action Against Illegal Streaming on Fire TV Stick

Amazon Cracks Down on Apps Allowing Illegal Streaming on Fire TV Stick

In a recent move, Amazon has announced that it will be blocking apps that facilitate illegal streaming on its Fire TV Stick. This decision comes in response to the growing concern around piracy and unauthorized content streaming. The clampdown is set to affect both new and existing devices, with the initiative already underway in France and Germany, and a global rollout planned for the coming weeks and months.

Fire TV Stick and Pirated Content

The Fire TV Stick, along with similar plug-in streaming devices from other manufacturers, has long been associated with the distribution of pirated content, particularly in the realm of sports. Unauthorized third-party apps can be sideloaded onto these devices, offering users access to illegal streaming platforms at a fraction of the cost of legitimate sports providers.

However, Amazon’s decision to implement a device-level ban on piracy-related apps will thwart attempts to circumvent location-specific restrictions using VPNs, as reported by Tech Radar.

Enhanced Security Measures

The crackdown on piracy apps coincided with the launch of the Fire TV Stick 4K Select by Amazon. This new device operates on Linux, departing from the easily modifiable Android software used in previous models. The latest streaming stick boasts enhanced security features and restricts app downloads solely to those available in the Amazon app store, as confirmed by the company to The Athletic.

Amazon’s Stance on Piracy

The Athletic cited a statement from Amazon, delivered by an unnamed spokesperson, emphasizing the company’s zero-tolerance approach towards piracy. The spokesperson stated, “Piracy is illegal, and we’ve always worked to block it from our app store. We’ll now block apps identified as providing access to pirated content, including those downloaded from outside our app store.” Amazon’s ongoing efforts aim to support content creators and safeguard customers from potential risks associated with piracy, such as malware, viruses, and fraud.

Impact of Illegal Streaming in the UK

A recent survey conducted by market research firm YouGov Sport, commissioned by The Athletic, revealed that approximately nine percent of adults in the UK engaged in illegal sports streaming in 2025. This accounts for around 4.7 million individuals, representing a notable increase compared to data from two years prior. The study highlighted the concerning trend of illicit content consumption among UK residents.

According to the survey, Fire Sticks, including Amazon’s streaming devices, rank as the second most common method for UK adults to access pirated sports streams. Unauthorized websites topped the list, with 42 percent of respondents citing them as the primary source for illegal sports viewing, followed by plug-in devices at 31 percent.