- Experts warn against using ‘shaky’ firesticks for free sports
- Samuel O’Toole cautions against inviting criminals into homes
- Unauthorised streaming risks data breaches, cyberattacks, and legal consequences
Experts have cautioned sports fans who attempt to view Premier League football for free using shaky’ firesticks against the potential disclosure of their banking information to criminals.
Samuel O’Toole, an attorney specialising in intellectual property, said that in addition to the legal risk they expose themselves to, illegal streamers invite an organised criminal gang into their homes through the device.
Nationwide, gang networks offer Firestick login credentials with ‘unlimited live channels’ for as little as £40 per month, whereas Sky and Discovery+ channels, films and other features cost approximately £100 per month.
Mr. O’Toole of Briffa stated, “Inviting a fox into the henhouse is an appropriate analogy.” The information on your devices and tablets is sensitive.
“They could be utilised for online shopping or banking.”
The ‘ shaky’ devices grant criminals access to your personal computer network, and the attorney further stated that such organisations cannot be relied upon with your information.
“Unauthorised IPTV services frequently operate without adequate security measures, exposing users to severe data breaches and cyberattacks,” a security expert in the industry said.
These malicious platforms can harvest personal information, including credit card details, thereby exposing users to the risk of identity theft and fraudulent activities. The accumulated data may be sold on the dark web, jeopardising the privacy of individuals.
Using unauthorised streaming platforms, such as streaming devices, can also expose users to harmful software and infections that compromise online security and cause harm to their devices.
Certain groups operating streaming services will intentionally introduce malware onto their competitors’ platforms to deter users from using them.
Practically speaking, the stream quality is also likely to be less than ideal, characterised by “regular buffering problems and frequent service interruptions.”
Additionally, Mr. O’Toole cautioned sports and film enthusiasts who attempt to circumvent the various licencing fees included in subscription packages that they risk losing their residences in the event of a copyright theft lawsuit or receiving lengthy prison terms.
He stated, “This is not a “victimless crime.”
Copyright is violated when content is viewed on a “jailbroken” Firestick without paying the appropriate licence fee.
Copyrighted material is considered private property. It cannot be utilised without the owner’s permission, as it was created and is in their possession.
In Mr. O’Toole’s opinion, Copyright infringement is analogous to trespassing on the counter of a local convenience store and swiping Mars bars.
“Sky is a major organisation.” However, copyright holders can only produce high-quality material if compensated adequately for their endeavours.
Additionally, law-abiding citizens suffer as a result of illicit content streaming. Sky and other service providers could decrease their prices if all customers reimburse them.
Individuals who violate copyright legislation may be prosecuted in civil or criminal tribunals, contingent upon the gravity and scope of the transgression.
After their operation was apprehended in May 2023, a group of five men operating an illicit streaming network worth £7 million were sentenced to over 30 years in prison.
As estimated by the UK Film Council, the potential annual loss to the film and television industry exceeds £400 million.
Furthermore, creators will cease to generate high-quality content without an incentive, according to Mr. O’Toole, which ultimately deprives all parties.
One potential consequence of a criminal case is the imposition of a ten-year incarceration sentence. That constitutes an enormous penalty.
“That is for criminal gangs, the larger fish, not an individual streaming from home.” Those who generate income through copyright theft will face incarceration.
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However, the copyright holder could bring a home streamer before the Intellectual Property and Enterprise Court. You could incur costs of £60,000, and in the event of a loss, you would be responsible for the expenses and compensation of the opposing side.
Businesses will determine whether the infringer possesses financial resources and assets before pursuing such a legal action. Pubs and other establishments that stream content illegally may be susceptible to this threat.
“This could potentially expose pubs and clubs that engage in unauthorised live streaming of sports events to legal liability, with the copyright holder seeking a monetary judgement against them.”
This could endanger a residence in the most severe instances, according to Mr. O’Toole.
“With a £100,000 judgement obtained in a lawsuit filed by Sky or another copyright holder, they could seek an injunction against your home or other assets; therefore, you could potentially lose your residence.”
