With more than 230 billion unauthorized views each year, piracy and illegal streaming continue to be significant issues for digital entertainment and online content. As technology evolves, so do the methods and justifications for accessing copyrighted content without permission. Many individuals turn to illegal streaming platforms without fully understanding the consequences, often as a result of widespread misinformation and content piracy myths.
Below, we’re going to shed light on the truth behind these misconceptions and explain why legal streaming options are always the better choice.
Myth 1: Streaming Content Illegally Isn’t Really a Crime
Perhaps the most common myth surrounding digital piracy is that streaming content from unauthorized sources isn’t actually illegal. This misconception often stems from a misunderstanding of copyright laws and how they apply to digital content.
The truth is that digital piracy is illegal, and streaming copyrighted material from illegal sources is indeed a crime. While the act of streaming may feel less tangible than downloading a file, it still violates copyright laws in many countries, including Canada. Simply put, streaming pirated content is considered a form of copyright infringement and can come with severe consequences.
Legal punishments for illegal streaming can include fines, lawsuits, and even criminal charges. Depending on the jurisdiction and severity of the offense, fines can range from hundreds to thousands of dollars. In Canada, according to criminal defense lawyer Céline Dostaler and corroborated by the Vancouver Sun, noncommercial digital piracy is a civil offense, which means that perpetrators will not face jail time but can still land themselves with a CA$5,000 fine per infringement.
Additionally, copyright holders may pursue civil lawsuits against people caught streaming their content illegally. As the Hollywood Reporter highlighted in March 2023, Disney and other major streaming providers settled a copyright infringement suit against an individual perpetrator to the tune of $30 million.
Myth 2: If I Don’t Download the Content, it’s Not Illegal
A common misconception is that streaming content without downloading it somehow circumvents copyright laws. This belief is presumably based on the idea that since no permanent copy is saved on the user’s device, no infringement has occurred.
However, this is not the case. When you stream content, your device is still receiving and temporarily storing data to play the video or audio. This temporary reproduction is still considered a violation of copyright if the source is unauthorized.
What’s worse, by accessing these illegal streaming services, you’re supporting the infrastructure of piracy. These platforms often generate revenue through advertisements or even malicious activities like selling user data, which further funds their illegal operations.
It’s worth noting that, in recent years, laws have been updated in many countries to specifically address streaming piracy.
Myth 3: I Can’t Get in Trouble Just for Watching
Many people believe that only those who upload or distribute pirated content are at risk of legal consequences. While it’s true that distributors can face harsher penalties, viewers are not immune to repercussions.
Your internet service provider (ISP) can track your online activities, including accessing illegal streaming sites, and there has been mounting legal pressure for providers to cut service to bad actors and turn them in. In 2022, Comcast, Verizon, and AT&T all settled suits alleging that they were ignoring clear copyright violations perpetrated by their users. Similarly, in Canada, ISPs must comply with copyright holders and are required to forward any claims of copyright violations along to the end user.
As enforcement efforts intensify, authorities worldwide are increasingly zeroing in on individual perpetrators and bad actors, including those who are “just watching.” While not every instance of illegal streaming results in legal action, the risk is real and growing.
Myth 4: Illegal Streaming Services Won’t Harm My Device
One of the most dangerous myths about illegal streaming is that it’s a safe alternative to paid services. Many users believe that simply watching a video online can’t pose any real threat to their devices or personal information.
However, the reality is that illegal streaming sites are often riddled with malware, phishing attempts, and other security threats. Many illegal streaming websites use pop-up ads or fake download buttons to trick people into downloading harmful software called “ransomware.” This type of malware locks your device and won’t let you use it unless you pay the attacker.
In fact, in 2022, the Digital Citizens Alliance found that 12% of all ads on illegal streaming sites were linked to malware. In the same year, Variety reported that 37% of adults who engaged with pirated content ended up with malware infecting their device.
Myth 5: It’s Impossible to Get Caught — There Are Too Many People Doing It
Global visits to unlicensed video content sites were estimated to have reached 141 billion in 2023. This overwhelming number of people engaging in digital piracy can lead to a false sense of security. Many believe that with so many users, there’s little chance of being caught. However, this simply isn’t true.
As mentioned above, internet service providers (ISPs) are being encouraged more and more to report online piracy and copyright violations. While not everyone who downloads or shares pirated content will get in trouble, authorities often work together and occasionally crack down on illegal activity. The biggest offenders are the most likely to be caught. For example, in June 2024, Kristopher Dallmann and four others were convicted for running an illegal streaming site called Jetflicks. Dallmann could face up to 48 years in prison.
While the odds of facing legal consequences may still be relatively low for casual users, the risk of fines and jail time are very real. Legal alternatives are always a much safer choice.
Myth 6: I Can Save Money by Using Pirated Content
One of the most common justifications for using illegal streaming services is the perceived cost savings, and it’s not entirely without reason. In fact, as reported by Variety, 48% of respondents who accessed pirated content in 2022 cited the high cost of streaming services as their primary reason for doing so.
However, this short-term thinking overlooks several hidden costs and risks of fines, virus removal, and data breaches. If caught, the fines for copyright infringement can far outweigh the cost of legal subscriptions. Removing malware and viruses at prominent retailers like Best Buy and Staples ranges from $99 to $149. Lastly, data stolen through malicious streaming sites can result in identity theft, which cost Americans $23 billion in 2023.
By choosing legal options, you can avoid the risks associated with piracy. Plus, opting for paid subscriptions supports the creation of new content and the improvement of streaming technologies.
Myth 7: Pirated Streams Have the Same Quality as Legal Services
Many users assume the viewing experience on illegal streaming sites is comparable to that of legitimate services. This myth often leads people to believe they’re getting the same product without the cost.
In reality, the quality difference can be substantial. Legal services often offer higher resolution options, including 4K and HDR, which are rarely available through pirated sources. Legitimate platforms invest in server infrastructure to provide smooth playback, while illegal streams often suffer from buffering and outages.
Legal streaming platforms also tend to have more intuitive interfaces, functional subtitles, and regular updates for better performance. When issues arise, legal services offer customer support, which is not something that is available with pirated content.
Myth 8: Only Big Studios Lose Money From Piracy — It Doesn’t Affect the Little Guy
There’s a common misconception that digital piracy only impacts large, wealthy studios and corporations. This leads some to justify their actions as victimless or even as a form of protest against big business.
However, the reality is that piracy has far-reaching consequences that affect many individuals and smaller entities. Because piracy causes revenue loss for the entertainment industry, it also affects millions of jobs. When it comes to job cuts and layoffs, it’s usually “the little guys” who are the first to go. From sound technicians to set designers, many behind-the-scenes workers rely on the success of productions for future job opportunities.
How StreamSafely Can Help You Find Safe, Legal Streaming Sources
With rising rates, endless bundles, and an increasing number of scams, navigating the world of digital streaming can be complex, but StreamSafely is here to help. Our platform is dedicated to guiding users toward legal, safe, and high-quality streaming options.
By recognizing the myths of content piracy and understanding the legal implications and the wider impact piracy has on the creative industry, you can make better choices in your streaming habits. Legitimate streaming services don’t just offer a safer and higher-quality experience, but they also contribute to the continued creation of diverse and innovative content. Let’s support the industry we love by choosing legal streaming options and encouraging others to do the same. Happy streaming!
