Full list of 9 areas targeted in latest ‘dodgy firestick’ crackdown before Christmas
Another illegal TV streaming crackdown has taken place 👀
- FACT has carried out a crackdown on illegal TV streaming.
- Shops and resellers selling the devices were targeted.
- But where was the action carried out?
A crackdown on stores selling illegal TV streaming services has been carried out. It comes ahead of the busy Christmas period which features a full schedule of sports and highly anticipated television.
The devices, colloquially referred to as ‘dodgy firesticks’, were being sold in shops and by resellers, according to Federation Against Copyright Theft (FACT). It comes following a big crackdown that also took place last year.
But where did the FACT teams target? Here’s all you need to know:
Full list of areas targeted in crackdown
In this latest action, FACT teams, working alongside Sky, delivered legal notices to 15 shops and resellers across nine counties in Ireland. The list of areas targeted included:
- Kerry
- Louth
- Laois
- Mayo
- Donegal
- Kilkenny
- Wexford
- Meath
- Cavan
Eleven of the visits were conducted by FACT investigators, with the remainder delivered by Sky’s legal representatives. The targeted outlets were found to be either selling subscriptions to illegal streaming services, supplying devices configured to access them or referring customers to resellers via phone numbers or advertising materials.
All have been given a deadline to stop these activities or face further action. To date the vast majority have responded to the legal notices and have agreed to cease their illegal activities.
This is the first time enforcement teams have focused directly on retail outlets. The move recognises that shops are a crucial gateway for consumers being drawn into illegal streaming and that disrupting activity at street level is key to protecting the public.
Illegal streaming puts users ‘at real risk of harm’
Kieron Sharp, Chairman of FACT, commented: “This operation shows that we are actively targeting every link in the illegal streaming supply chain. When shop owners sell illegal streaming devices, subscriptions or act as referral points to providers, they are supporting criminal organisations and generating criminal profits.
“FACT will continue to work with partners to identify, disrupt and shut down this activity across Ireland.”
JD Buckley CEO Sky Ireland added: “Illegal streaming puts consumers at real risk of online harms including fraud and identity theft while draining money away from the creative industries that invest in the shows and sports people love.
“At Sky, we’re determined to protect our customers and ensure we continue producing world-class content. Working with FACT, we’re making it clear that anyone profiting from piracy, whether through shops or resellers, will be found and stopped.”
Remind yourself of where the previous crackdown took place. See the full list here.