How is Amazon's new Fire Stick 4K Select model affecting TV piracy?

The new Fire Stick 4K Select model from Amazon has significantly limited the ability of TV pirates to use "dodgy" piracy apps and VPNs, which are crucial tools for accessing illegal content.

What steps has Amazon taken to crack down on piracy on its Fire Stick devices?

Amazon has been working with the Alliance for Creativity and Entertainment (ACE), a global coalition fighting digital piracy, to identify and block apps that provide access to pirated content. The company has also implemented stricter rules around side-loading apps on the new Fire Stick 4K Select model.

Why is the lack of VPN support on the new Fire Stick 4K Select a problem for TV pirates?

VPNs are often used by TV pirates to mask their online activity and bypass restrictions, so the inability to use VPNs on the new Fire Stick model makes it extremely difficult for them to continue their illicit practices.

Home / Technology / Amazon's New Fire Stick Blocks VPNs, Crippling TV Piracy

Amazon's New Fire Stick Blocks VPNs, Crippling TV Piracy

11 Nov

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Summary

Amazon's latest Fire TV Stick 4K Select blocks "dodgy" piracy apps
New model restricts side-loading and doesn't support VPNs
Part of Amazon's ongoing global crackdown on illegal streaming

Amazon's New Fire Stick Blocks VPNs, Crippling TV Piracy

In November 2025, Amazon's latest Fire TV Stick model is proving to be a major obstacle for TV pirates looking to illegally stream content. The new Fire TV Stick 4K Select, which launched just a few weeks ago, comes with much stricter rules that severely limit the ability to use piracy apps.

Amazon had already been blocking these "dodgy" apps through its own Appstore, but users were still able to "side-load" them onto their Fire Stick devices. However, the recent major update has now closed this loophole, and the new Fire TV Stick 4K Select model has even tighter restrictions on side-loading.

Furthermore, the new Fire Stick model does not currently support the use of VPNs, which are often used by TV pirates to mask their online activity and bypass restrictions. This is a significant blow, as VPNs are a crucial tool for accessing pirated content.