Amazon’s Fire TV Sticks, popular for their easy access to premium entertainment like movies and sports without expensive subscriptions, are facing a crackdown on illegal streaming. The company is set to block unofficial apps enabling access to pirated content.

An Amazon spokesperson stated that piracy is illegal, and they are working to block it from their Appstore. Through a collaboration with the Alliance for Creativity and Entertainment (ACE), apps providing access to pirated content will be blocked, even those installed from outside the Appstore.

While the full enforcement is pending, customers are already receiving warning messages on their TV screens. Launching suspicious apps triggers alerts stating that the software is flagged for offering unlicensed content and will be disabled.

Although users can still open the app, the warning indicates that Amazon has detected the activity, hinting at a potential ban in the future. The total blocking rollout will start in Europe, with the UK devices expected to be affected later.

While the crackdown aims to curb illegal streaming, it does not address the root cause of rising subscription costs. Media analyst Paolo Pescatore praised the move as overdue but highlighted that consumers are burdened by increasing fees due to broadcasters passing on higher live sports rights costs. This results in a fragmented and costly experience for consumers.