Latest news with #Firesticks
Daily Mirror
6 days ago
- Daily Mirror
Urgent jail warning for millions of Brits using modified Amazon Fire Sticks
A Mirror investigation has found thousands of ads from criminals on Facebook Marketplace as industry vows crackdown on illegal streaming costing it billions. Millions of illegal streamers in the UK using modified Amazon Fire Sticks are being warned they could face prosecution for their role in funding international piracy gangs. The warning comes from the former London detective heading the Federation Against Copyright Thefts' fight against the multi-billion pound fraud. Growing numbers of Brits are believed to be turning to illegal TV streams but they risk ID theft, losing their credit card details to criminals and malware viruses infecting their devices. Illegal TV streaming is estimated to cost up to £21 billion a year and many of the illegal streamers in the UK are using cheap modified Amazon Fire Sticks. We found tens of thousands of adverts for their pirate services openly posted on Facebook. Many are for doctored Firesticks which offer bundles of thousands of channels for a few pounds a month. We found a single UK mobile number being used across 800 Facebook Marketplace ads for Fire Stick 'packages' for as little as £6. Customers are urged to contact the criminals via Whatsapp and the adverts are posted by over 100 different Facebook users, all accounts created in the last few months, and located across the country, from Kendal in Cumbria to Guildford in Surrey. It points to a sophisticated scam operation that is expecting its ads could be taken down and accounts blocked. When we contacted one seller we were offered 'All Sky channels, all sports channels, all football events, Netflix, HBO, Disney +, Amazon Prime and Apple' for as little as £2.50 a month. Prices started at £35 for a six month subscription to £150 for a five-year deal. In comparison, a football fan wanting to follow all the Premier League action legally would need to pay nearly £50 a month for the cheapest Sky, TNT and Prime deals. Our crooked seller falsely claimed their service was legal: 'Don't worry, we are providing services all over the UK.' They claimed to be from a company called IPTV, although this is just a general term for Internet Protocol Television, claiming: 'It's [an] online service to provide channels on fire stick, smart TVs, android TVs, mobile phone as well. We can provide subscriptions to other countries like Australia, USA and Canada.' But these alluring offers have a sting in the tail. There is no guarantee the criminals will be around long enough to honour the deal. In January, a man streaming illegal TV to thousands from his residential house in Birmingham was jailed for two years. Meanwhile, criminals are harvesting the personal details of thousands, their card payment information and gaining the ability to infect their smart TV, mobile phone and laptop with malware. Kieron Sharp, chairman of the Federation Against Copyright Theft, told us that users are also breaking the law and could be prosecuted. FACT is helping prosecute gangs like the ones we found on Facebook. In the last five years, FACT has been involved in 23 prosecutions leading to 36 criminals being jailed for an average of nearly three years each. In January, Sunny Kumar Kanda from Halifax, West Yorks, was jailed for two years at York Crown Court for supplying modified Fire Sticks through a Facebook group with nearly 4,000 members. In December, FACT led a two-week crackdown with police from 15 forces which targeted 30 illegal services. Kieron, a former senior City of London Police detective and former head of the economic crime team at Interpol, said: 'This has been a problem forever, since the days of pirated video cassettes and DVDs. But the rise of streaming has made things easier for the criminal in the same way as it has made things easier for the legal consumer. Is it any more of a problem than it was years ago? That's very difficult to say. There's no complete picture of the landscape.' The Intellectual Property Office has estimated that 6.2m Brits access illegally streamed TV and 3.9m people watch pirated live sport. Kieron added: 'We have adopted the attitude over the years that we would rather not criminalise the end user. 'If we take out a gang and they have a customer database, we would normally write to the consumers on that customer list telling them 'What you are doing is breaking the law and you will have to stop'. We would like to think that they would start paying for that content. 'But it is entirely possible that consumers could get swept up in our investigations. It would be a discussion for everybody involved in the business to see if that is an area that we would want to go down. It could happen, it really could. I would never say to any of the consumers through the messaging that we do that they are not going to get prosecuted because that just isn't correct.' As an indication of the possible consequences for users of these services, when 29-year-old illegal Fire Stick seller Jonathan Edge, from Liverpool, was jailed for more than three years in November, he was also sentenced to two years and three months in prison for personally accessing and viewing the pirated content he distributed, to be served concurrently. FACT told us that watching an illegal stream was an offence under the Fraud Act 2006, with a maximum penalty of five year's imprisonment. But there is a more immediate risk from Malware - or malicious software - that comes with doctored devices or illegal streams. Fraudsters could raid your bank account, steal your identity and even hijack your camera and microphone. 'There is a risk from using these devices, it is not just us saying this,' he explained. 'People should be warned about this. There's a real risk of having your identity stolen or similar. If you give over your credit card details, you are giving them to criminals. 'They could get access to the camera on your TV, if it has one, or microphone. There is no safety or security with what you are getting with these modified devices. Some people set them up just to get your personal details.' A recent report by Enders Analysis accused Amazon's £25 Fire Stick of allowing 'plug-and-play piracy', with three in five who used a physical device for piracy in the last 12 months choosing the Fire Stick, according to Sky. Amazon said it had made changes to Fire TV to make it harder to stream pirated content and that it warned customers against 'sideloaded apps '. An Amazon spokesperson said: 'Pirated content violates our policies regarding intellectual property rights, and compromises the security and privacy of our customers. '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.'
Time Business News
03-06-2025
- Business
- Time Business News
IPTV Subscription USA: The 2025 Guide to Top Streaming Services
To better understand how IPTV works, see Internet Protocol Television on Wikipedia. In 2025, the American entertainment landscape is undergoing a major transformation. With cable TV becoming increasingly expensive and inflexible, more households across the country are switching to a modern, cost-effective alternative: IPTV subscription USA. This new way of watching TV allows users to stream live channels, movies, sports, and on-demand shows directly over the internet — without a cable box or annual contract. A recent IPTV subscription USA provider review by Tom's Guide compared top platforms that deliver seamless service, broad content libraries, and multi-device access. Flexibility : Watch from anywhere in the U.S. on Smart TVs, Firesticks, tablets, or smartphones. : Watch from anywhere in the U.S. on Smart TVs, Firesticks, tablets, or smartphones. Content Variety : Access thousands of channels, including local U.S. networks, sports, news, movies, and international options. : Access thousands of channels, including local U.S. networks, sports, news, movies, and international options. Affordability : IPTV plans often cost less than $20/month versus cable bills that can exceed $100. : IPTV plans often cost less than $20/month versus cable bills that can exceed $100. No Hidden Fees: Most IPTV providers offer transparent pricing, and no equipment rental fees or contracts. Let's say you're a sports fan in Chicago. With the right IPTV subscription, you can watch NBA, NFL, MLB, NHL, and regional networks like NBC Sports Chicago all in one app — and on the go. This popular app offers a polished interface, EPG support, parental controls, and compatibility with nearly all devices. A top choice for advanced streamers, offering catch-up TV, favorites lists, and customizable layouts. Designed for Android and Firestick users who want a responsive and easy-to-navigate IPTV experience. Looking for the best devices to stream IPTV? Explore the Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max or the budget-friendly Amazon Fire TV Stick HD — both perfect for IPTV apps. Go to Settings > My Fire TV > Developer Options Enable 'Apps from Unknown Sources' Download the Downloader app Use Downloader to install your chosen IPTV app Enter your M3U playlist or Xtream Codes to activate service With IPTV and Firestick combined, you can take your subscription anywhere in the U.S. Absolutely. U.S. viewers benefit from using a VPN to: Avoid ISP throttling Access region-locked content (e.g., watch HBO Max while traveling) Enhance privacy and security online Traditional cable can cost $120/month or more. IPTV, on the other hand, offers: More content No installation or technician visits Access across devices Freedom to cancel anytime Imagine having your entire family watching their favorite content — Dad streaming the NFL game, Mom watching Lifetime movies, and kids enjoying cartoons — all at once on separate devices. IPTV subscription USA is revolutionizing entertainment for Americans. With top providers like Xtreme HD IPTV and CatchOn TV, plus apps like TiviMate and IPTV Smarters, anyone can cut the cord without sacrificing content. Combine this with a reliable VPN, and you'll enjoy secure, flexible, and budget-friendly streaming no matter where you live in the U.S. #IPTVUSA #IPTVSubscriptionUSA #BestIPTV2025 #CutTheCordUSA #FirestickStreamingUSA TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Time Business News
03-06-2025
- Business
- Time Business News
Best IPTV Services in the UK – 2025 Guide for British Viewers
In 2025, the way British households consume entertainment has changed dramatically. With rising cable bills, limited content variety, and rigid packages, traditional TV providers are quickly losing relevance. Enter IPTV UK — a flexible, affordable, and feature-rich alternative that gives you full control over what you watch, when you want to watch it. This IPTV UK platform comparison highlighted the top services transforming British entertainment. Unlike traditional broadcast methods, IPTV uses your broadband connection to deliver content. This means that instead of watching channels as they air, users can enjoy catch-up services, time-shifted TV, and an extensive video-on-demand (VOD) library. For instance, imagine finishing work and immediately accessing a missed Premier League match, a children's cartoon for the kids, or the latest BBC drama — all on demand. British IPTV service with 4K and multi-device support is perfect for UK homes that want access to thousands of global channels, British sports, Sky packages, and more — all without a satellite dish. Users can stream live events like Wimbledon, international cricket, or documentaries from National Geographic. The service also supports multi-device streaming, meaning one family member can watch a film in 4K in the living room while another enjoys cartoons upstairs. Family-friendly IPTV provider UK is designed for simple setup, easy navigation, and dependable streaming across smart TVs, Firesticks, and mobile devices. It includes a VOD library tailored to UK preferences, including local dramas, children's shows, and a wide selection of family content. This app is ideal for newcomers. Its interface is intuitive, and it supports parental control settings. You can also integrate your EPG (Electronic Program Guide) for a cable-like browsing experience. For advanced users, TiviMate offers deep customization, EPG synchronization, catch-up features, and seamless integration with premium IPTV services. Its user interface mimics the experience of Sky or Virgin Media. This is a Smart TV-optimized player requiring no external devices. Just connect your playlist using the built-in browser and enjoy minimalistic yet powerful navigation with organized channel lists and VOD sections. Amazon Firestick remains a top choice among UK users due to its affordability, portability, and app versatility. Go to Firestick settings > My Fire TV > Developer Options Enable 'Apps from Unknown Sources' Download and install the Downloader app from Amazon Appstore Use Downloader to install APKs like TiviMate or IPTV Smarters Pro Load your IPTV subscription using an M3U URL or Xtream Codes provided by your IPTV provider With a Firestick, you can turn any screen — from your bedroom TV to a travel monitor — into a fully functional streaming hub. Absolutely. VPNs (Virtual Private Networks) are critical for privacy and performance. Privacy: Hides your activity from ISPs and potential snoopers Hides your activity from ISPs and potential snoopers Performance: Avoids throttling, which slows down your stream Avoids throttling, which slows down your stream Access: Unblocks geo-restricted content such as U.S. Netflix, BBC iPlayer abroad, or certain regional sports NordVPN : Extremely fast with servers in over 60 countries Extremely fast with servers in over 60 countries CyberGhost : User-friendly with streaming-optimized servers User-friendly with streaming-optimized servers Atlas VPN: A newer option with great speeds and budget plans Let's take an example. A typical Sky package may cost over £60/month for basic channels and sports. By contrast, IPTV subscriptions range from £6–£15/month — and offer far more content, including movies, series, international networks, and exclusive VOD. IPTV is also portable. Whether you're vacationing in Spain or staying at a hotel in Scotland, you can take your Firestick or smartphone and continue watching your subscribed content. IPTV UK is leading the way in how British users enjoy content in 2025. It's time to cut the cord, upgrade your setup, and choose the best IPTV subscription for your needs. Whether you want football in 4K, family shows on demand, or full access to international news, IPTV makes it all possible. Just be sure to choose the right app, the best provider, and secure your connection with a VPN — and you'll have a world-class entertainment setup ready to go. #IPTVUK #BritishIPTV #BestIPTV2025 #IPTVSubscriptionUK #CordCuttingUK TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Refinery29
29-05-2025
- General
- Refinery29
'Sick Land Means Sick People': How Healing Country Is Healing First Nations Futures
By the time she was 15, Rachel Steffensen, a proud Tagalaka woman, was waking up at 5am to fry 150 eggs for Elders, fire practitioners, and community members at the National Indigenous Fire Workshop, all preparing to head out on Country for a day of cultural burning. It was her first official job at the National Indigenous Fire Workshop, as a kitchenhand. And while it wasn't glamorous, it was formative. 'The year after I was promoted to Sous chef,' she laughs. 'That felt good.' But Rachel's work with Firesticks — an Indigenous-led organisation reviving traditional practices — didn't begin there, not really. 'I've grown up around this since I was young,' she says. 'I'd be on Country with my Dad, always ears open listening to the importance of land management, specifically with fire.' That listening never stopped. Now, decades later, she's the Fundraising and Community Relations Lead supporting a national network of communities. The job title may have changed, but the purpose hasn't. 'I was always eager just to immerse myself in this space in any job I was given,' she says. 'They all taught me something valuable.' Land and People Heal Together At the core of Firesticks is an understanding that this work isn't new, it's ancient. 'We didn't build this idea,' Rachel says, referring to the belief that land and people heal together. 'This is what has always been told through the landscapes for thousands of years, before colonisation.' When cultural fire is used properly and that is carefully, knowledgeably, and respectfully, healing ripples out. 'We demonstrate the practical role of Indigenous knowledge and practices, such as cultural fire, in restoring the health and resilience of landscapes,' Rachel explains. 'We need to be activating this methodology to address the urgent environmental climate challenges we are all facing.' But this healing isn't just environmental, it's spiritual. Cultural fire is not about control or conquest. It's about listening. Reading the signs. Watching the animals. Understanding what the trees are doing. 'We are reading Country and Country is telling us what it needs,' Rachel says. 'The landscape has to be ready depending on time, weather, and what the animals are doing. That's what my Dad taught us.' It's this deep relational knowledge — generational knowledge — that sets cultural burning apart from Western land management. 'The Western approach can be very reactive,' she explains. 'Always focusing on the aftermath after the fire has ripped through Country and burnt it all down. Cultural burning is a proactive approach.' Legacy, Lineage and Listening to Country For Rachel, legacy is lived. It's felt. It's passed on in the kitchen, on the fireline, through laughter and listening. 'It's so incredibly important to me and our family,' she says of her role in carrying forward traditional knowledge. ' We won't see the full benefits, it'll be our kids. So we must get this right and equip them with the right tools so they don't have to suffer from our mistakes. ' 'I look at my children and I hope when they're older they can feel what I feel, not the hurting for Country part or the worry,' she says, 'but the good stuff. All the happy feelings. Seeing Country healthy and resilient. Seeing mob on Country claiming back our identity with the landscapes…' This is what generational knowledge really looks like: not just remembering but living and passing it forward. 'When we're back on Country, looking after it the way our old people taught us, something powerful happens,' Rachel says. 'We start to heal. We bring language back to life. We practice ceremony. We pass on knowledge. We strengthen our communities.' When First Nations people are disconnected from Country, it doesn't just harm the environment. It harms spirit, identity, culture. "Sick land means sick people," she says. 'When we take people away from caring for Country, it doesn't just hurt the land, it hurts us too. Our wellbeing is tied to the land, always has been.' That pain in the breakdown of culture, the effects of colonisation, the generational trauma doesn't vanish on its own. 'You can see the damage in the disconnection from culture, the breakdown of people and communities, and how that pain gets passed down through the generations.' But connection is healing. And healing is reclamation. 'It's not just about looking after the land, it's about the land looking after all of us.' What Allies Can Actually Do Rachel is generous with her knowledge, but firm in her call to action. Supporting First Nations healing isn't about parachuting in with a project plan and a budget, it's about changing the system itself. 'Now more than ever, Indigenous people need to be at the forefront and leading the way when it comes to healing Country, tackling climate change, and creating real, lasting benefits for both Country and people,' she says. That means trusting thousands of years of knowledge and doing more than just ticking a box. 'Too often, we're still being boxed in. Stuck in funding models that only see us through a narrow lens. Tied to rigid grant rules, work plans that don't let us adapt, and research frameworks that don't respect our right to hold and protect our own knowledge.' So what's the alternative? 'This is your moment to step up,' Rachel says to funders, researchers, policymakers and allies. 'Advocate for systems that support Indigenous leadership, not just include it. Make space for flexibility, for self-determination, for true partnership.'
