The temptation to search for pirated content increases when times are tough. And times are tough. But that one illegal stream could lead to a whole host of unexpected problems.
Contrary to popular belief, illegal streaming isn’t a Robin Hood crime. Hackers, fraudsters and cybercriminals want to harvest your data for all sorts of reasons, but saving you money isn’t at the top of their list. Unfortunately, it’s quite the opposite.
That free movie download or discounted stream of the big game could come at a cost. It could involve hacking your device. Or worse, using that device to access your bank and credit card details.
Watching unauthorised TV content is illegal
Streaming, downloading or sharing unauthorised TV content, film or sports content is a crime.
It’s often claimed that illegally streaming is a ‘grey area’. It’s not. Anyone selling, distributing or allowing access to content without the permission of the copyright owner is committing a crime. But what you need to know is that anyone who is accessing content in this way is also committing a crime.
Don’t be fooled, people who provide unauthorised TV content aren’t Robin Hood characters providing free TV access for nothing. They are criminals, often with links to significant criminal organisations and activity. In fact, the money they make from people accessing their content is used to fund those crimes. That’s why police forces across Europe are clamping down on piracy.
With online streaming in high demand, law enforcement agencies are increasing their focus on dismantling pirate content networks, disabling illegal streams, sending offenders to jail and contacting people accessing illegal streams or downloads with the threat of prosecution.
At FACT, we’re supporting these law enforcement agencies to develop methods and techniques to effectively tackle all new and emerging threats.
See the latest news below:
In summary, if you illegally stream unauthorised content, the police may be tracking you right now and may be in touch with you soon.
Streaming illegally carries huge risks
Illegal streaming or downloading are extremely risky activities, which can leave you and your family at the mercy of malware, viruses, ransomware, scams and fraud.
Did you know that…
- Almost half (49%) of respondents who illegally stream in the UK say they or someone they know have been a victim of scams, ID theft, fraud or data loss as a result
- And 41% have been exposed to inappropriate content
*From a nationally representative sample of 1,000 respondents from Dynata, the world’s largest first-party data and insights platform, 2022.
The problem is that these risks are hidden from view. Illegal streaming and download services are designed to look professional and very similar to legitimate sites. And you may hear from friends that they’re fine to use and that no one ever gets a virus or hacked. But that’s simply not the case.
Here’s a quick guide to the risks:
WAYS TO WATCH CONTENT LEGALLY
There are many different services you can use to watch content legally.GET IT RIGHT FROM A GENUINE SITEprovides information on where to legitimately access content, including sports, TV, film, music, eBooks, and games.
FAQs
NEW YORK — A Michigan man has been charged with criminal copyright infringement related to his operation of websites that illegally streamed live sporting event telecasts and pay-per-view events over the Internet. In a related action, 16 websites were seized.
Is it bad to illegally stream? ›
For viewers, penalties can range up to $30,000 for accessing pirated live content. Those who host or share illegal streams face even harsher consequences, with fines beginning at $150,000.
Do illegal movie websites give viruses? ›
The FACT report cited one study that looked at US content theft sites and the research found one in every three websites exposed users to malware. This means that users who visited content theft sites were 28 times more likely to get malware from those sites than from legitimate websites or content providers.
What is illegal streaming called? ›
Online piracy or software piracy is the practice of downloading and distributing copyrighted works digitally without permission, such as music or software. The principle behind piracy has predated the creation of the Internet.
Is it illegal to watch 123Movies? ›
Is 123Movies dangerous? Yes, 123Movies clone sites are associated with numerous security and privacy risks. In particular, these are malicious ads and pop-ups, spoofed links, and malware-infected download files. On top of that, using such sites is illegal in many regions.
What happens if you get caught watching pirated content? ›
Felony punishments can result in lengthy prison sentences of more than 5 years, and criminal fines of up to $250,000 for each pirated file.
What's the best illegal streaming service? ›
List of Popular Illegal Streaming Sites
- 123movies. Operating from Vietnam, the site allowed users to stream and download trending TV shows and series without signing up. ...
- Moviesjoy. ...
- Vumoo. ...
- Roja Directa. ...
- Flixtor. ...
- Soap2day. ...
- Putlocker. ...
- FMovies.
Hosting an unauthorized stream is illegal
“So many Americans illegally stream, you would be in endless litigation.” Hosting an unauthorized stream falls under the distribution portion of the Copyright Act, but the criminal penalties are limited to misdemeanors, as opposed to felonies for downloading.
How to report illegal streaming? ›
Crimestoppers is an independent charity and allows anyone with details of criminal activity to pass it on anonymously, without fear of exposure or retribution. You can contact Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555 111 or filling out an online Giving Information Form.
Do streaming videos stay on your computer? ›
If a video file is downloaded, a copy of the entire file is saved onto a device's hard drive, and the video cannot play until the entire file finishes downloading. If it's streamed instead, the browser plays the video without actually copying and saving it.
When you illegally download or stream digital content on a distrustful website, it can mean exposing yourself to: malware that could access your personal information, browsing data or credit card information. viruses that may damage or destroy your files and device.
How to safely use streaming sites? ›
How to stay safe when using free streaming services?
- Use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) ...
- Stick to reputable streaming sites. ...
- Maintain updated antivirus software. ...
- Practice good password hygiene. ...
- Be cautious of pop-ups and redirects.
In some instances, illegal streaming can lead to criminal charges, especially if it involves large-scale piracy operations. Law enforcement agencies may investigate and prosecute individuals or groups involved in the illegal distribution of copyrighted content.
Why are illegal streaming sites bad? ›
There is a good risk that a cyber criminal could steal your information. Cyber criminals may use your personal data for various illegal uses, such as identity theft, phishing scams, and other unlawful activities.
Are free movie sites safe? ›
Watching movies for free online from questionable sources can be dangerous and expose you to cybersecurity risks. Crimestoppers UK reported that, in 2019, a total of 926,836 people had money stolen from them due to illegal streaming.
Is illegal streaming a federal crime? ›
Digital piracy is not a victimless crime. As these convictions demonstrate, the FBI will indeed investigate those who illegally profit from the creative works of others.”
Is pirating illegal for personal use? ›
Unauthorized Copying is Against the Law
Copyright law protects the value of creative work. When you make unauthorized copies of someone's creative work, you are taking something of value from the owner without his or her permission.
Is it illegal to watch pirated fights? ›
It's illegal to watch a PPV event without proper licensing or payment. If you are watching or streaming the event illegally, it is known as digital piracy – you are violating federal copyright laws.
