Online streaming has revolutionized the way the world consumes entertainment. However, the rise of streaming services has also brought about a concerning trend — digital piracy. Illegal streaming services and websites pose a significant threat to artists, broadcasters, and consumers alike. These illegal services deprive content creators and distributors of their rightful revenue and expose users to potential security risks, leaving many wondering why such sites aren’t shut down more often. Despite the efforts of law enforcement agencies and rights holders, many piracy platforms continue to operate, and their operations are becoming more advanced every day.
How Many Illegal Streaming Services and Sites Are Out There?
The vastness of the illegal streaming landscape is staggering. MUSO, a U.K.-based company that monitors global digital piracy, tracks traffic across more than 100,000 known pirate sites. Each of these unauthorized content providers represents a breach in copyright and is taking money out of the entertainment ecosystem and legitimate markets in general. The International Chamber of Commerce found that content piracy had a worldwide economic cost as high as $917 billion in 2013. By 2022, the United States alone was bearing $11.6 billion of that burden.
However, as far-reaching and commendable as MUSO’s efforts in identifying and monitoring illegal streaming sites, it’s hard to know how many more unauthorized platforms are lurking in the shadows. This vast network of illegal streaming sites operates like a hydra, with new ones sprouting up as soon as others are shut down, making it an ongoing battle for authorities and rights holders. As of 2020, North America and Western Europe hosted 67% of known digital piracy sites, but a complete tally cannot be fully known.
Additionally, the rise of technology and the increasing accessibility of high-speed internet have made it easier for these illegal services to proliferate and reach a broader audience. Even remote Amazon tribes are now accessing the internet through Starlink. Users closer to home can now stream copyrighted content on various devices, from smartphones and tablets to Apple TVs and streaming boxes, further fueling the accessibility to and demand for these illicit platforms. Recent data shows that people in the U.S. made 12.5 billion visits to unauthorized streaming sites in 2020 and 15.5 billion visits in 2022. The other top countries for accessing illegal digital content were Russia, China, India, and Brazil.
How Illegal Streaming Services Avoid Getting Caught
Illegal streaming services employ a variety of tactics to evade detection and circumvent legal action. These methods are constantly evolving, making it challenging for authorities to stay ahead of the curve. Here are some of the most common methods:
Domain Switching
One of the most prevalent tactics is domain switching, where illegal streaming services constantly change their domain names, making it difficult for authorities to track and shut them down effectively. These changes can be as simple as changing from a “.com” to “.org” or something similar. By constantly rotating through a pool of domain names, these services can maintain a presence online, even if some of their domains are seized or blocked.
Proxy Servers and VPNs
Another common method is the use of proxy servers and virtual private networks (VPNs), which obscure the true location and identity of the service operators. These tools reroute internet traffic through intermediary servers, making it challenging for law enforcement agencies to pinpoint the source of the illegal streaming activity and identify the individuals responsible.
Legal Loopholes
Some illegal streaming services exploit legal loopholes, such as operating from countries with lax copyright laws or leveraging the misconceptions surrounding the legality of unauthorized streaming. By taking advantage of legal gray areas, these services can continue to operate without facing immediate legal consequences, making it more difficult for authorities to shut them down promptly.
Anonymity of Operators
Many illegal streaming services are run by anonymous individuals or groups, making it difficult to identify and hold them accountable for their actions. These operators often use sophisticated techniques to conceal their identities, such as encrypted communication channels, anonymous payment methods, and decentralized hosting solutions. Given the interconnectivity of digital space, perpetrators can easily operate in foreign countries that may have no jurisdiction or legal recourse in the country where the host is physically based.
How Long It Takes To Legally Prove and Remove an Illegal Streaming Service
The legal process of proving the illegality of a streaming service and subsequently shutting it down can be a lengthy and arduous endeavor. It often involves gathering substantial evidence, issuing cease-and-desist orders, filing lawsuits, and navigating complex legal procedures across multiple jurisdictions. This process can take months or even years, during which time the illegal service may continue to operate and generate revenue.
One of the significant challenges is the need to establish that the streaming service is intentionally distributing copyrighted content without permission from the rights holders. This requires extensive investigation and documentation, as well as the involvement of legal experts and intellectual property attorneys. In the U.S., the primary organizations fighting piracy within the entertainment industry are the Motion Picture Association of America, the Recording Industry Association of America, and the Entertainment Software Association, as outlined by Justia.
Additionally, if the illicit service is hosted or operated in a different country, these agencies must navigate international legal frameworks and collaborate with foreign law enforcement agencies, which can further prolong the process.
Understanding the Growing Demand
The demand for illegal streaming services is fueled by various factors, including the proliferation of paid subscription-based streaming models and confusing array of bundles. As consumers face an increasing number of fragmented streaming platforms, each requiring a separate subscription fee, some may seek out illegal alternatives as a way to access content without additional costs. This trend has been exacerbated by price hikes:
- Peacock announced a price increase ahead of the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris
- Crunchyroll, the anime streaming service owned by Sony, introduced a price hike affecting U.S. users in May 2024
- On June 4, Max increased the price of its ad-free service, just 12 days before the release of “House of the Dragon,” Season 2
All of this is in the wake of the widely reported price hikes in Oct. 2023 that were undertaken nearly simultaneously and affected six major platforms: Apple TV+, Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, ESPN+, and Discovery+.
It’s easy to see that dedicated fans of TV and cinema are being faced with mounting financial obstacles, making the allure of free, albeit illegal, streaming options more appealing.
Furthermore, the convenience and accessibility of common illegal streaming services have contributed to their popularity. Users can easily find and access a wide range of content, from newly released movies and TV shows to live sports events, all at the click of a button. This ease of access, coupled with the perception of minimal risk, has led many individuals to rationalize their use of these unauthorized platforms.
However, the user experience of these illegal services often falls short of expectations. Viewers frequently encounter numerous pop-up ads, which can be frustrating and potentially harmful. The video quality is often subpar, with lower resolution, poor audio, and frequent buffering issues.
It is important to note that engaging with illegal streaming services not only deprives content creators of their hard-earned income but also exposes you to potential security risks, such as malware, identity theft, and privacy violations.
The Lack of International Coordination
Combating illegal streaming services is further complicated by the lack of effective international coordination and cooperation among law enforcement agencies and regulatory bodies. Many illegal streaming services operate across multiple countries, making it challenging to enforce laws and regulations consistently.
In 2021, INTERPOL launched Project I-SOP in coordination with South Korea to target illegal video sharing and other forms of piracy. It also coordinated with Portugal’s anti-piracy efforts, resulting in the takedown of EVO Release Group, a criminal network that was illegally distributing audio-video content. Similarly, Japan is seeking international coordination to tackle rampant piracy among anime and manga.
While these efforts are significant and showcase the effectiveness of cross-border collaboration, the differences in legal frameworks, priorities, and resource allocation across nations still pose significant obstacles. Some countries may prioritize other forms of cybercrime or lack the necessary resources to effectively combat illegal streaming activities, allowing these services to thrive in certain regions.
How StreamSafely Can Help You Keep Yourself Safe
While the battle against illegal streaming services continues, it is crucial for consumers like you to prioritize their safety and avoid falling victim to these unauthorized platforms. StreamSafely is dedicated to providing resources and information to help you identify and steer clear of illegal streaming websites. By following trusted sources and being knowledgeable of common red flags, you can enjoy your favorite content through legitimate channels while protecting yourself from potential risks.
To ensure a safe streaming experience, we recommend using only legitimate and licensed streaming platforms, which prioritize user security and comply with copyright laws. By supporting these authorized services, you’re not only protecting yourself from the potential identity theft and malware that can come from engaging with piracy sites, but you’re also contributing to the sustainability of the entertainment industry.
