In a recent wave of articles, readers were warned of the dangers of using “dodgy” firesticks, the legality of jailbreaking Firesticks, and the potential legal consequences. According to some “average” intellectual property lawyer, this practice is akin to inviting a fox into your hen house.
But let’s pause for a moment, shall we? Are we really risking our homes, our bank details, and our sanity by using these devices? In this article, we’ll delve into the truth behind these myths and expose the fear tactics used by some lawyers and websites.
Overview of Jailbreaking
The term “jailbreaking” might sound ominous, like we’re about to hack into the Pentagon, but in reality, it’s a bit less dramatic.
Jailbreaking is more common with iOS devices like iPhones and iPads while a similar process for Android devices is often called “rooting.
But the process of Jailbreaking on Firestick is called “Sideloading”. It simply means modifying the settings of the device to allow downloading apps outside of the Amazon App Store. It’s like giving your firestick a little makeover to access more content.
So, is jailbreaking illegal? Of course Not! While manufacturers might frown upon it (after all, they want you to pay for their services), the act of jailbreaking itself is not inherently illegal. It’s what you do with the jailbroken Firestick (such as downloading apps like Flix Vision, etc) that can get you into trouble without a VPN.
Fear Tactics and Misinformation
Various news publications always paint a grim picture of using Firesticks for Jailbreaking and illegal streaming. They would suggest that our personal data is at risk, just waiting to be harvested by cybercriminals. If not them, the Government would do everything in their power to prosecute you.
Let me give you an example of how these news publications would create fear and misinformation. MSN recently did a story on ‘Dodgy’ Firestick and the Police raids taking place, and have linked “Teeside Live” (Gazette UK) as their source which you can see in the image below:
When you open the Gazette UK page, it will provide a different source linking it to “The Mirror”. Once again, there’s no original source:
Now, you already know what’s on the Mirror UK page. There’s an interview with a not-so-well-known Intellectual Property Lawyer “Samuel O’Toole” (just not knowing the complete facts about Firestick) that Firestick users will serve jail time if they’re caught streaming illegal content.
There’s no actual source from any government institution or personnel who could verify those claims except for these news websites linking each other.
Legal Reality with Real-world Examples
Contrary to popular belief, hardly any individuals or users are prosecuted for using devices like Firesticks for illegal streaming.
It’s not the average Joe streaming a football match or the latest blockbuster who ends up in legal hot water. In fact, it’s more likely to be the owner of the IPTV service, a reseller, or the operator of the free streaming apps who face the legal music.
Consider Operation Creative in the UK, where the City of London Police’s Intellectual Property Crime Unit (PIPCU) targeted those involved in selling or distributing devices like Kodi boxes and Firesticks for illegal streaming purposes.
While many were investigated, reports indicate that few individual users were prosecuted. The focus was primarily on the larger distributors or operators of these services.
Similarly, in Australia, police raids on illegal streaming services often target the operators rather than individual users. Despite the efforts to crack down on illegal streaming, reports show that those streaming content through devices like Firesticks have largely escaped legal consequences.
No Digital Laws in Third-World Country
Not many third-world countries (often referred to as developing countries or low- to middle-income countries) have copyright laws. Even if some countries do have copyright laws, they face severe challenges in enforcing and implementing those laws.
Countries like India, Brazil, Mexico, Nigeria, and Pakistan are some of the countries that do have copyright laws but the conviction rate is zero to none.
So if you’re living in one of these countries, then you have nothing to worry about!
How to Responsibly Use Firestick?
Responsible usage is key when it comes to jailbroken Firesticks. Users should be aware of the content they access and avoid infringing upon copyright.
By staying informed and making informed choices, users can enjoy the benefits of a jailbroken Firestick without falling prey to fear tactics.
The golden rule of Firestick usage is to respect copyright laws. This means avoiding the temptation to access pirated or unauthorized content. Instead, opt for legitimate streaming services such as:
These services are free and completely legal but are available only to specific regions for which you might use a VPN to bypass the geo-restrictions.
But if you do try to access apps that offer free copyright content, then as well use a VPN to hide your streaming activity.
How Should I Know If I’m Watching Illegal Content on Firestick?
This is a type of question that is frequently asked by Firestick users and I’ll answer this once and for all. We’ve been in the Firestick industry for 10 years, it’s sometimes hard to differentiate between what is legal and illegal.
Some of the questions that you can ask yourself are:
- Is there any official app or website for the service?
- Are there too many ads or pop-ups?
- Do you find any online reviews of the app or service?
- Does the price seem too good to be true or too low?
- Do the streams have low quality? (Illegal streams often have low resolution and buffering issues)
Conclusion
In conclusion, let’s not buy into the fear-mongering around these “dodgy” firesticks. Are they perfect? No. Are they the downfall of society? Probably not.
So, next time you’re considering streaming that football match or the latest blockbuster, remember: the worst that could happen is a few extra ads and a dodgy stream quality. And who knows, maybe you’ll even get a chuckle out of the poorly translated subtitles.