Amazon Fire Sticks enable “billions of dollars” worth of streaming piracy
A recent report by media analysts at Enders, as highlighted by Ars Technica, reveals that Amazon Fire Sticks have become significant enablers of streaming piracy, contributing to billions of dollars in losses for content providers and rights holders. The report identifies Fire Sticks as a “piracy enabler,” noting that these devices are often modified or “jailbroken” to access unauthorized content, including live sports events and premium television shows. In the UK, data indicates that 59% of individuals who used pirated feeds via physical devices did so using an Amazon Fire device.
The widespread use of modified Fire Sticks has drawn criticism from broadcasters like Sky and DAZN. Nick Herm, Sky’s Chief Operating Officer, stated that such piracy costs the industry “hundreds of millions of dollars” and that Fire Sticks account for “probably about half of the piracy” in the UK. He emphasized the need for Amazon to take more proactive measures to prevent the misuse of its devices for illegal streaming.
Amazon has responded by asserting its commitment to promoting legal content consumption. The company has prohibited the sale of illicit streaming devices on its marketplace and includes on-device warnings about the risks of installing apps from unknown sources. Additionally, Amazon co-founded the Alliance for Creativity and Entertainment (ACE), aiming to combat global piracy operations.
