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Online Piracy 101

Today we have a variety of legitimate streaming services providing the public with licensed television, film and sports content. Unfortunately, there are also countless illicit streaming services and websites offering stolen content and taking advantage of the hard work of others for unlawful gain. Pirate services seem attractive because of their low prices but these “deals” are illegal and come with many risks. Learn about content piracy here.

how you're at risk

Streaming Free Movies, TV Shows & Games May Put You at Risk

Not all technology is created equal. And some disreputable devices have slipped through the cracks, claiming to offer access to free movies, TV shows and games.
adult watching laptop on couch with child on back

Expert Series: Increased Streaming and Risk

More streaming at home means an increased risk of malware infection.
Skull and crossbones. Pirated content is not safe.

Expert Series: How to Know If Your Content Is Pirated

Avoiding pirated content is easier with a little awareness of how pirate services work.
Digital banking screen showing large overdue payment, a potential consequence of pirate services

Expert Series: Consequences of Pirate Services

Streaming content from pirate services carries risks. Here are just a few.

Expert Series: How Pirates Use Legal Platforms to Sell Illegal Services

Pirates not only steal content, but then they deploy free platforms such as Facebook or Ebay or Amazon to be able to sell these devices. Now, the platforms sometimes make efforts to try to stop that, but it becomes a bit of a game of “Whac-a-Mole.”
Terms and conditions message in a laptop computer.

Fake Streaming Free Trial Delivers Malware Rather than Films

A new scheme uses our appetite for free trials to trick people into downloading a backdoor into their computers.

Is Piracy Legal?

Content pirates circumvent legal copy protection and distribute material without the authorization or permission of the content owner.
Two adult males viewing mobile phone screens with confused looks.

Watching Pirated Content is Not Safe

Pirated content is not safe. Downloading, streaming or torrenting pirated content can put your devices and your personal information at risk from malware.
Laptop screen with VPN connecting shown

What Pirate Streaming Sites Use to Lure Consumers

Pirates use several distribution methods to offer customers stolen content.
Human hand in open mouth of alligator showing risks of viewing pirated content

Risks of Viewing Pirated Content

There are many risks associated with viewing unauthorized, stolen content. Read about four big ones.