Amazon Fire Stick users warned common mistake could land you £1,000 fine

12 February 2024 , 10:50

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Having an Amazon Fire Stick doesn't always mean you don't have to pay for a TV licence (stock photo)

Amazon Fire Sticks are a great way to access thousands of films and TV shows with a click of a button, but users should be wary of potential fines.

Jail-broken versions of the device are becoming increasingly popular over recent years. They allow users to illegally stream Sky TV and other channels for free and could land you in hot water with the law. However, using a legit Amazon Fire Stick, and similar appliances, could still end up costing you a fortune.

If you watch any live TV or access apps such as BBC iPlayer on the device – you should be paying for a TV licence. Failure to comply could result in a knock on the door from officials, who can issue out fines of up to £1,000, as well as potential legal costs.

You don't need a TV licence if you only watch on-demand programmes (other than those on BBC iPlayer) on paid-for subscription sites such as Netflix and Disney Plus. You also don't need to pay the fee if you're watching content on a DVD or Blu-ray.

However, you will need a TV Licence if you watch live TV on a subscription channel such as Amazon Prime. Contrary to popular belief, this doesn't just include content like live sports and does apply to content such as the soaps, series, documentaries and even movies.

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The TV licence fee is slated to increase from £159 to £169.50 this April, but not everybody has to pay in full. If you're over the age of 75 and claiming Pension Credit you can get the fee wiped completely. If you're a student living away from home you may also be able to dodge the bill if your parents/ carers are paying for a TV licence.

However, this only applies if you're watching TV on a device such as a phone or tablet. Plugging in a TV or desktop computer to the mains means you'll have to pay your own licence. Those who are blind or severely sight-impaired can get a 50 per cent discount, whilst those living in residential care or sheltered accommodation may be eligible for a concessionary TV licence which costs just £7.50 per room.

TV Licensing states it may visit your address to confirm whether or not you need a TV licence. If they discover you have been 'watching, recording or streaming programmes illegally' you risk prosecution and a fine of up to £1,000 – as well as potential legal costs. This increases to £2,000 if you live in Guernsey.

Do you think the TV licence is good value for money? Let us know in the comments section below

Liam Gilliver