Beware, illegal streamers… (Picture: Getty Images)
Internet pirates beware as people using ‘dodgy’ Amazon TV Firesticks could soon be exposed.
In recent years there’s been an increase of people getting hold of modified versions of the Firesticks, allowing them to watch exclusive channels without paying the monthly fee.
Broadcasters and sports leagues have been complaining about losing out on huge amounts of revenue – and now authorities across Europe are cracking down on illegal streamers.
A new ruling in Spain could make it even riskier for illegal streamers, especially those watching football.
A commercial court in Barcelona passed a new ruling for legal action to be taken directly against users who download and consume pirated football.
Internet service providers will be forced to send the IP address of any individual found guilty of illegal streaming directly to La Liga – the men’s professional football division of the Spanish football league system.
Your IP address could be revealed if you keep using a dodgy Firestick (Picture: Getty Images)
The new law is most likely to impact people who stream sport illegally (Picture: Getty Images)
Under the previous ruling, only ‘public establishments’ like restaurants and bars could be prosecuted for illegally streaming football, MailOnline reports.
The news comes as retailers are cracking down on ‘dodgy’ Amazon Firestick users who are illegally streaming content.
Users were later warned they could face prosecution – after Sky teamed up with trading standards to threaten those providing the services with arrest unless they cease their activities.
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Federation Against Copyright Theft (FACT UK) are attempting to crack down on the matter in a significant way by sending cease and desist letters – as well as turning up on the doorsteps of those who are suspected of illegally streaming content.
Existing copywriting laws mean those found to be fraudulently receiving transmissions can be sentenced to up to 10 years in prison and face a hefty fine.
Police recently issued a warning to people who use Firesticks to stream and download sport illegally, having made an arrest following a nationwide investigation.
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