Latest news with #EndersAnalysis
Yahoo
11 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Amazon's Fire Stick enables ‘industrial scale' piracy', report warns
Amazon's Fire Stick streaming device is enabling piracy on an 'industrial scale', according to a new report. Research by Enders Analysis found that more than 50 per cent of people in the UK who have watched pirated material on a physical device in 2025 used an Amazon product. The Amazon Fire Stick, which plugs into TVs to give access to platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime, can be modified to deliver illegal live streams of sporting events like Premier League matches. According to the report, this trend is costing 'billions of dollars in piracy' through lost broadcaster revenues. Other big tech firms, including Google and Meta, were accused in the report of 'ambivalence and inertia' for allowing the problem to continue. 'Big tech is both friend and foe in solving the piracy problem,' the report's authors noted. 'Conflicting incentives harm consumer safety by providing easy discovery of illegal pirated services, and reduced friction through low-cost hardware such as the Amazon Fire Stick.' Amazon said in a statement that it was 'vigilant in our efforts to combat piracy' and that it has made changes to Fire Sticks to deter people from streaming illegal content. "Pirated content violates our policies regarding intellectual property rights, and compromises the security and privacy of our customers," an Amazon spokesperson said. Recent figures have shown digital piracy to be on the rise across the UK and Europe, with financial hardships and increasingly costly and fractured streaming space cited as factors for the resurgence. It has resulted in a renewed crackdown against online piracy, with digital rights holders teaming up with law enforcement to catch those responsible. Last year, two men were imprisoned for selling reconfigured Amazon Fire Sticks, which were loaded with a bypass to watch sport and movie streaming services for free. 'These cases highlight the importance of protecting legitimate providers, as well as the significant impact that coordinated law enforcement efforts can have on combating digital piracy,' Kieron Sharp, CEO of the Federation Against Copyright Theft (FACT), told The Independent at the time. 'The message is very clear: if you sell a device that provides access to content that is not licensed to you or owned by you, you could face criminal investigation, prosecution and conviction.' Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Reuters
12 hours ago
- Business
- Reuters
Peak data growth is a quiet win for telcos
LONDON, June 2 (Reuters Breakingviews) - Companies usually rejoice when customers want more of what they're selling. In telecom land, though, meeting future demand typically requires massive upfront investments from the likes of Verizon (VZ.N), opens new tab and Vodafone (VOD.L), opens new tab, which haven't always earned an attractive financial return. The sector's CEOs may therefore be quietly happy that mobile-data growth seems to be falling – and apprehensive about the prospect of artificial intelligence eventually sending it spiralling again. It's been obvious for several years that fixed-line broadband demand has stopped rising as rapidly as it once did. According to research outfit Enders Analysis, internet traffic volume growth across most developed markets is now around 10% to 15% a year, compared with 30% or more before the pandemic. This deceleration reflects the fact that most rich-world households are by now already heavy users of streaming services like Netflix (NFLX.O), opens new tab and (AMZN.O), opens new tab Prime Video. In other words, the shift to internet-based TV was a one-off step-change, rather than an everlasting tailwind. Something similar now seems to be happening with mobile data. Enders' analysts reckon some European markets may have seen annual rates of increase in mobile-data demand as low as 5% in recent quarters, though there is significant variation between countries. Forecasts compiled by Analysys Mason, a consultancy, suggest the trend is playing out worldwide. It predicts that annual growth in global mobile-internet traffic will fall to 15% in the next few years, compared with 23% in 2023. That's a sharp comedown from 2018 levels, when volumes were roughly doubling each year according to the same consultancy. It's possible that many Westerners already have all the mobile data they need. There is only so much time in the day to watch Netflix or scroll social media sites like X. Practically everyone who wants a smartphone already has one. Slower demand growth may, counterintuitively, be a relief for telecom bosses and investors. The key reason is that past binges on spectrum and equipment, to meet rising data requirements, have often delivered poor returns. According to a 2023 report, opens new tab by professional-services firm PwC, mobile network operators made a 2% to 3% return on assets over the preceding five years – a period which spanned 5G and 4G-related capital expenditures. That's akin to a regulated utility asset, but without the comfort blanket of a monopolistic market and inflation-protected revenue. Another way to look at the problem is the return on invested capital (ROIC), usually calculated as post-tax operating profit divided by the cumulative cost of the assets a company uses to run its business. For major U.S. and European telcos, the average ROIC this year will be 7.3%, based on analyst estimates gathered by Visible Alpha. That's roughly in line with the sector's weighted average cost of capital, as calculated, opens new tab by New York University's Aswath Damodaran, implying that as a group the companies are not meaningfully creating any shareholder value. This is reflected in valuations: the same companies on average trade at a measly 7 times 2025 EBITDA. One hope is that peak data growth will change all that, by allowing the telcos to avoid a massive new round of value-destroying capex for the foreseeable future. That's roughly what Wall Street brokers expect right now: physical-asset investments will stagnate for major telcos over the coming years, according to Visible Alpha figures. The positive flipside of lower investment is that free cash flow, and therefore returns, should rise. The wildcard is AI. To date, most of the burden from large language models, from OpenAI and its ilk, has fallen on Big Tech-owned data centres, rather than consumer-facing 5G networks. That could all change if applications, like so-called AI agents, really take off. Imagine millions of Vodafone and T-Mobile (TMUS.O), opens new tab customers constantly running ChatGPT or Alphabet's (GOOGL.O), opens new tab Gemini app in the background, performing administrative tasks that a personal assistant would usually handle while also condensing and summarising emails and reports. Video, audio, and image-creation apps could be particularly data-intensive, necessitating more 5G and even 6G investments over time. It's also possible that autonomous vehicles, which require sensors and cameras to send information to the car's central computer instantaneously, could end up using 5G networks. As is stands, that's more of a risk than an inevitability for telcos. But it's worth getting prepared for such an eventuality. Telecom and broadband bosses, particularly in Europe, have moaned about having to handle all the extra Netflix-induced traffic without the streamers contributing anything towards the upkeep of the networks. AI could, eventually, cause a re-run of that debate. Follow @jenjohn_, opens new tab on X
North Wales Live
15 hours ago
- North Wales Live
Amazon Fire Stick illegal streaming exposed in new warning update
Criminals are increasingly using illegal streams of live sport, particularly on devices like Amazon's £25 Fire Stick, not only to distribute unauthorised content but also to steal credit card information and install malware on users' gadgets. Enders Analysis has released a report highlighting the problem of pirated video as a lure set by criminals, criticising big tech for insufficient action against what it describes as "industrial scale theft". The investigation discovered that illegal streaming services are now accessed by one in eight young people aged 16 to 24 and described the fight against such practices as a "formidable challenge". The report slams major technology companies for showing "a combination of ambivalence and inertia", accusing them of neglecting security enhancements and inadvertently directing consumers towards illegitimate services. It highlighted three main reasons piracy was on the rise: opportunistic restreaming of live events via social media platforms streaming services deploying malware onto viewers' devices and premium pirated TV subscriptions offered through devices like the Fire Stick, which are disguised as authorised providers. According to the report: "Pirated services are part of sustained efforts, mostly by organised crime, to gain access to consumer data and online identity, infect devices with malware and enrich their criminal enterprises." Europe is thought to have around 17 million people engaging with pirated TV services, costing the industry anywhere from £900 million to £21 billion annually, with a single illicit broadcast of a significant football game potentially attracting tens of thousands of viewers. The Fire TV Stick by Amazon is explicitly referred to as a "piracy enabler" in the report, reports the Mirror. The gadget, a simple plug-in to the TV, offers a gateway to legitimate channels but has also become an instrument for illicitly streaming significant happenings. Researchers at Enders Analysis found that users aren't required to delve into the 'dark net' to find them, as these services are quite openly hawked and touted. Amazon revealed it has tightened the screws on its Fire TV platform to stymie access to unlicensed streams and cautions patrons about the perils of "sideloaded apps". A spokesperson relayed: "We remain vigilant in our efforts to combat piracy and protect customers from the risks associated with pirated content, which includes prohibiting apps that infringe upon the rights of third parties in our Appstore, and warning customers of the risks associated with installing or using apps from unknown sources." Nick Herm, COO at Sky Group, voiced his concern: "It's a serious issue for anyone who invests in creating and delivering world-class content. We'd like to see faster, more joined-up action from major tech platforms and government."
Edinburgh Live
15 hours ago
- Edinburgh Live
Urgent warning to anyone with an illegal 'Amazon Fire Stick'
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Illegal sports streams, such as those accessed through Amazon's £25 Fire Stick, are being harnessed by criminals to steal credit card details and spread malware. Enders Analysis has released a report slamming the use of pirated video as a "enticing store front" for criminal activity, criticising big tech companies for not adequately addressing "industrial scale theft". The study reveals that one in eight younger individuals between 16 and 24 years old now access illegal streams, branding the fight against the issue a "formidable challenge". Big tech is under fire for displaying "a combination of ambivalence and inertia". They are accused of neglecting to bolster security and inadvertently directing customers towards illegal services. READ MORE - Chef says you've been cooking frozen chips all wrong - and making 'big mistake' READ MORE - ITV Britain's Got Talent fans 'rumble' winner Harry Moulding's magic trick According to the report, piracy thrives due to three main practices; the first involves "opportunistic" restreaming on social media. The report states: "Pirated services are part of sustained efforts, mostly by organised crime, to gain access to consumer data and online identity, infect devices with malware and enrich their criminal enterprises.", reports the Mirror. It also highlights a second threat where streaming platforms embed malware into users' devices. Furthermore, it points out the dangers of paid-for pirate TV channels, available through gadgets like the Fire Stick, which pose as bona fide operations. In Europe alone, around 17 million people are tuning into pirated TV services, costing the industry anywhere from £900million to an eye-watering £21billion annually. Even a single illicit feed of a high-profile football match can attract tens of thousands of watchers. The report notably tags Amazon's Fire TV Stick as a "piracy enabler". The device, which connects to a TV providing access to thousands of legitimate services, is also being misused to illegally stream major events. Research by Enders has revealed that users do not need to "search the darkest corners of the web" as these pirate services are "openly marketed and promoted". Amazon has responded by saying it's made changes to Fire TV to make it tougher to stream pirated content and cautions customers against "sideloaded apps". A spokesperson for Amazon remarked: "We remain vigilant in our efforts to combat piracy and protect customers from the risks associated with pirated content, which includes prohibiting apps that infringe upon the rights of third parties in our Appstore, and warning customers of the risks associated with installing or using apps from unknown sources." Sky Group COO, Nick Herm, highlighted: "It's a serious issue for anyone who invests in creating and delivering world-class content. We'd like to see faster, more joined-up action from major tech platforms and government."
Wales Online
18 hours ago
- Wales Online
Warning issued to anyone using Amazon Fire Sticks for free TV
Warning issued to anyone using Amazon Fire Sticks for free TV Criminals have found a way to take advantage of people using Amazon Fire Sticks Fire TV Stick (Image: Amazon ) Criminals are exploiting illicit live sports streams, accessed through devices such as Amazon's £25 Fire Stick, to steal credit card information and infect devices with malware. According to a recent report by Enders Analysis, pirated video content serves as a facade for criminal activities, with the firm criticising big tech for its inaction in addressing "industrial scale theft". The findings indicate that one in eight individuals between the ages of 16 and 24 engage in illicit streaming, labelling the fight against it a "formidable challenge". The report accuses major tech companies of displaying "a combination of ambivalence and inertia" by neglecting to bolster security measures while inadvertently directing consumers towards illicit services. It identifies three key factors that contribute to the proliferation of piracy. The first involves the "opportunistic" retransmission of live events via social media platforms. The second entails the use of streaming services to embed malware on viewers' devices. As stated in the report: "Pirated services are part of sustained efforts, mostly by organised crime, to gain access to consumer data and online identity, infect devices with malware and enrich their criminal enterprises.", reports the Mirror. The third factor is the provision of paid pirate TV services through devices like the Fire Stick, which "masquerade as legitimate operators". It is estimated that approximately 17 million individuals in Europe utilise pirated TV services, with annual losses ranging between £900 million and £21 billion. A single pirated stream of a prominent football match can attract tens of thousands of viewers. The report labels Amazon's Fire TV Stick as a "piracy enabler". The gadget, designed to connect to a television and provide access to a plethora of legitimate services, is also being exploited for the illegal streaming of major events. Enders' research indicates that users don't have to delve into the internet's underbelly, as these services are "openly marketed and promoted". Article continues below Amazon has responded by implementing updates to its Fire TV system to make it more challenging to access pirated streams and cautions customers about the dangers of "sideloaded apps". A spokesperson from Amazon said: "We remain vigilant in our efforts to combat piracy and protect customers from the risks associated with pirated content, which includes prohibiting apps that infringe upon the rights of third parties in our Appstore, and warning customers of the risks associated with installing or using apps from unknown sources." Nick Herm, Sky Group COO, commented on the gravity of the situation. He said: "It's a serious issue for anyone who invests in creating and delivering world-class content. We'd like to see faster, more joined-up action from major tech platforms and government."
