• Written by admin
• November 5, 2025
• 7 minutes

Amazon’s latest update is now blocking various 3rd party streaming apps on Firestick and Fire TV devices.

After years of speculation and hints, the tech giant is now officially blocking what they deem “piracy apps” on all variations of Firestick and Fire TV with their latest update.

Learn when and why these changes will be implemented and why Android TV and Google TV boxes are safer, more open alternatives for streaming.

Amazon Blocks Sideloaded Piracy Apps on Firestick

Amazon has launched a major global effort to stop piracy apps from working on Fire TV devices. For the first time, the company is blocking sideloaded apps that offer access to illegal content. This includes apps that aren’t downloaded from the Amazon Appstore but are installed manually by users. (Similar to what we see with Roku devices).

This new move, reported by The Sun, is part of a broader crackdown led by the Alliance for Creativity and Entertainment (ACE), an anti-piracy coalition backed by major studios like Disney, Paramount, and Universal.

Earlier this year, Amazon began blocking apps to stop custom launchers or prevent malware as they claimed. But the latest update marks a clear shift — the target now is pirated content itself, and the apps enabling access to it.

The company is using a two-step system to remove apps they determine to be illegal. First, users will receive an on-screen notice warning them that the app will be removed. After that, the app will stop working completely — even if a VPN is being used to hide online activity.

This affects both Fire OS-based models and Amazon’s new Vega OS platform (Firestick Select), which already disabled sideloading entirely and removed VPN apps from the Appstore. The company says sideloading of non-piracy apps will still be allowed, but the line between what’s allowed and what’s not could keep shifting.

And there’s no official list of which apps will be blocked. However, an Amazon official confirmed to AFTVNews that the company will block apps that provide access to pirated content. These blockades will begin in Germany and France and then roll out globally.

The Bigger Problem: Locked Ecosystem and Rising Streaming Costs

While Amazon claims this is about protecting users and creators, there’s another side to the story. Rising streaming prices from services like Netflix, Disney+, and Apple TV+ are pushing many people to look for cheaper alternatives.

Tech expert Paolo Pescatore told The Sun that people are tired of high monthly bills and a messy streaming experience. Sports and entertainment packages cost more each year, and many users just can’t keep up.

Broadcasters are spending more to secure live sports rights and passing these costs onto consumers who can’t afford them, leading to a messy, fragmented experience.

This crackdown is coming at a time when people are already frustrated. And while piracy isn’t the answer, many are now stuck with fewer options and higher costs.

Why Android TV & Google TV Are a Better Option (For Now)

TROYPOINT has been pushing alternatives to Firestick/Fire TV for many years with the best options being those with the Android/Google TV Operating System.

If you’re ready to move away from restrictions, Android TV and Google TV boxes offer the flexibility Amazon just took away.

Here’s why they’re the best alternatives right now:

True App Freedom

Unlike Firestick, Android TV/Google TV doesn’t block sideloaded apps — even those that aren’t in the Play Store (for now, see more below). You can install what you want without waiting for corporate approval.

• No Forced Ecosystem – Amazon pushes its own content and ads on every screen. Android TV gives users a cleaner experience without constant promotion for Prime Video or other Amazon services.

• Regular Security Updates – While sideloading is open, Google still maintains strong security protocols and app scanning for Play Store downloads. That balance gives you power without losing protection.

• Better Hardware Options – From budget-friendly models like the onn 4K Pro to premium boxes like NVIDIA SHIELD there’s a wide range of choices depending on your needs and budget.

NOTE: Make sure to check out our list of Best Android/Google TV Boxes that is updated with both affordable and premier options that do not block 3rd party apps of any kind.

• VPN Compatibility – Android TV boxes allow full VPN support, with access to apps like Surfshark and IPVanish — ideal for secure and private streaming.

Possible Trouble for Android TV Boxes in the Future

But, all isn’t bright and shiny in the world of Android TV Boxes either.

Google has announced it will soon require all developers, not just those in the Play Store, to verify their identities. Apps created by non-verified developers will not work on certified Android devices, which include nearly every Android TV and Google TV device.

This shift will begin with testing in October of this year, expand to developers worldwide in 2026, and then roll out globally in 2027.

Google claims sideloaded apps are 50 times more likely to carry malware than apps downloaded from the Play Store. Even though Google’s app store still has issues, the company says verifying developers has already reduced fraud and malicious uploads.

By forcing identity checks outside of the Play Store, Google hopes to clamp down on shady apps spreading through third-party sources.

Google Changes Sideloading Rules for Android Devices

So, the reason Google claims to be doing this is to stop applications with malware from being installed on Android streaming systems.  That reason could evolve over time, especially after they watch what Amazon is currently doing.

It’s impossible to know how the change in sideloading restrictions will actually play out when Google starts to enforce this in 2026 & 2027.  More than likely apps like Kodi and Stremio will be approved because there are legal uses for those applications and they don’t contain malware.

Those two apps are already available in Google Play Store along with the popular IPTV app, TiviMate.  We’re guessing that these apps would pass the verification due to the fact that they are already in Google Play and they don’t do anything without external sources.

What I mean by external sources is that Kodi relies on addons and TiviMate depends on IPTV credentials to access copyrighted content.  The problem will lie with applications such as Cinema HD, FlixVision, etc. where their primary use is for illegally accessing media.

Other apps that probably have no chance of being approved would be SmartTube and TizenTube or any other app that blocks ads in YouTube.  Since Google owns Android, there is no way that they will approve applications that interfere with their money-making services.

Google has indicated that the sideloading restrictions will only take place on certified Android TV/Google TV systems such as the popular Onn 4K Plus and Google TV Streamer 4K.   Some are now moving back to non-certified boxes running Android Open Source Project (AOSP) to ensure absolutely no blocking when these updates take place.

Here are some of the most popular AOSP Android TV Boxes that TROYPOINT fans are currently using.

We’re going to ramp up our reviews of these non-certified Android boxes so TROYPOINT fans will have lots to choose from when these restrictions go into place next year. Make sure to sign up for the  to have exclusive access to these reviews and more!

Amazon’s Warning Is a Wake-Up Call

This isn’t just about piracy apps. It’s about the future of device ownership. Amazon is making it clear: you don’t fully control your Firestick — they do. And now they’re showing just how far they’re willing to go to enforce that.

If you value choice, security, and freedom to install your favorite apps, now is the time to make the switch.

Troy’s Take

Amazon’s latest crackdown shows a growing trend: tech giants are locking down their platforms to protect themselves, not users. While protecting content rights is fair, blocking access at the device level goes too far.

Android TV and Google TV offer a better path for now but will that hold true going into 2026 & 2027 when their sideloading restrictions kick in?

If all goes to hell, we do have our non-certified AOSP Android Boxes mentioned above.  It’s my opinion that if AOSP is ever negatively impacted, manufacturers will start producing Linux boxes that will be capable of running the same side-loaded apps. BuzzTV is one of the few streaming box manufacturers who have dipped their toe in this area with their L1 Linux Player.

One thing is for certain, and we’ve seen this play out over the past twenty years.  These big tech outfits will never stop access to 3rd party applications, IPTV, etc.  New solutions to use these apps and services will evolve and the “hackers” will always be one step ahead of the “suits” who control the money in these large corporations.

This article was originally published by The Sun.

We want to know what you think of Amazon putting a halt to what they deem as “piracy apps”. Drop a comment in the comment section below!

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