People using Amazon Fire Sticks in the UK have been given a stark warning – you could well be breaking the law and not knowing about it. BirminghamLive has reported recently how there has been a crackdown on illegal use of the streaming devices.
However, they remain very useful as a viable means of accessing free TV channels and being able to flick to paid-for ones like Netflix. That is why millions of people in the UK are routinely using Amazon Fire Sticks.
But they could be facing a £1,000 fine if they do not hold a valid TV Licence. While you might be streaming stations you legally have access to, not using a “dodgy stick”, it remains the case you need to pay TV Licensing.
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A spokesman for TV Licensing said: “A TV Licence is needed to watch live content on streaming services, watch or record a TV programme on any channel and when using BBC iPlayer,” adding “Further information is available on the TV Licensing website or via the customer services team, who can help with any queries.”
This comes as Netflix is gearing up to offer more live content, starting from tomorrow as it embarks on a new contract which will see WWE wrestling matches streamed live beginning with WWE Raw on Monday. Despite the convenience of streaming services, local households have to remember that a TV Licence is just as necessary for watching these online live shows as for traditional broadcasting channels such as BBC One.
Netflix’s catalogue has been expanding to include more live sports, including boxing, but the WWE deal marks a significant increase in live offerings set for 2025. The upcoming schedule features WWE Raw airing next Monday, WWE NXT on the following day, and then WWE SmackDown on January 10.
You’re in the clear to use streaming platforms such as Netflix or Prime for non-live content without a TV Licence, provided you steer clear of BBC iPlayer.