Warning for ‘unreliable’ firestick users, lawyer says: ‘You’re inviting a fox into the henhouse’

Sports fans looking to watch Premier League football for free using a ‘shady’ fire stick risk giving their banking details to criminals, experts have warned.

Intellectual property lawyer Samuel O’Toole told MailOnline that in addition to the legal danger faced by illegal streamers, they are also welcoming an organized crime gang into their home through the device.

Gang networks across the country are offering Firestick logins with ‘unlimited live channels’ for just £40, compared to around £100 a month if someone wants Sky and Discovery+ channels, along with films and other extras.

Briffa’s Mr O’Toole said: ‘A good analogy is inviting a fox into the henhouse. Your computers and tablets contain sensitive data.

“Maybe you use them for online banking or shopping.”

Criminals can access your home computer network through the ‘untrustworthy’ devices, and the lawyer added that such gangs cannot be trusted with your data.

Criminal gangs can use the ‘jailbroken’ devices to gain access to your home computer network

An industry security expert told MailOnline: ‘Personal information, including credit card details, can be collected by these rogue platforms, leaving users vulnerable to identity theft and fraud’

An industry security expert told MailOnline: ‘Unauthorized IPTV services often operate without proper security measures, exposing users to serious data breaches and cyber attacks.

‘Personal information, including credit card details, can be collected by these rogue platforms, leaving users vulnerable to identity theft and fraud. The data collected can be sold on the dark web, putting the privacy of individuals at risk.”

Using illegal streaming platforms such as streaming devices can also expose users to malicious software and viruses that can both damage devices and compromise online security.

Some gangs operating streaming services deliberately infect rivals’ platforms with malware to discourage users from hoping they land on their own offerings.

On a practical level, the quality of the stream will also likely be sub-optimal, with “constant buffering issues and frequent service interruptions.”

Mr. O’Toole also warned sports and movie fans who try to avoid the various licensing fees included in subscription packages that they could lose their homes if charged with copyright theft, or face significant jail time.

“This is not a victimless crime,” he said.

“If someone uses a ‘jailbroken’ firestick, they are violating copyright by viewing content without paying the appropriate licensing fees.

‘Copyrighted material is personal property. It is created and owned by someone and cannot be used without their permission.”

According to Mr O’Toole, copyright infringement is akin to walking into a local supermarket and stealing Mars bars from the counter.

‘Sky is a big company. But copyright holders can only create good content if they are appropriately rewarded for their efforts.

‘It is also the law-abiding citizen who suffers from people who illegally stream content. Sky and other service providers may be able to reduce their rates if everyone does their bit.”

People who violate copyright law can be prosecuted in civil or criminal court, depending on the nature and extent of the violation.

In May 2023, a gang of five men who ran an illegal £7million streaming network were sentenced to more than 30 years in prison after their operation was busted.

According to the UK Film Council, they estimate that the loss to the film and television industry could exceed £400 million per year.

And Mr. O’Toole believes that without incentive, creators will no longer produce quality content, meaning everyone will be poorer.

‘If a case goes to criminal court, you can receive a prison sentence of ten years. That is a significant fine.

‘That would be for criminal gangs, the bigger fish and not for someone who streams at home. There will be prison sentences for people who make money stealing copyrights.

‘Although the copyright holder could take a home streamer to the Intellectual Property and Business Court. There you can pay £60,000 in costs and if you lose you will also pay the other party’s costs and compensation.

‘Companies will first check whether the offender has money and assets before filing such a case. Pubs and other businesses that illegally stream content may be at risk of this.

‘Pubs and clubs that illegally stream live sporting events are at risk of this because the copyright holder can secure a judgment against them for a sum of money.’

Mr O’Toole said in the most serious cases this could put someone’s home at risk.

‘If Sky or another copyright holder sues and secures a £100,000 judgment, they could seek an injunction against the property or other assets, so you may lose your home.’