Streaming has become an integral part of our entertainment landscape, but not all streaming services operate within the bounds of the law. Below, we delve into the intricate web of illegal streaming sites, uncovering the technology that enables them to function. Understanding how illegal streaming sites work, and the red flags to look out for, is crucial for users to make informed choices and protect themselves against potential risks.
Before diving into the technical aspects, it’s essential to clarify what makes streaming from these sites illegal. The primary issue lies in copyright law violations. Illegal streaming sites often host content without proper licensing or permission, infringing on the intellectual property rights of the content creators and distributors. Users who engage with such platforms unknowingly become participants in these copyright infringements. This means they’re ultimately contributing to the perpetuation of illegal streaming practices and risking the introduction of malware into their system, data breaches, as well as steep fines or even jail time.
How Shows and Movies Are Illegally Acquired
Illegal streaming sites acquire content through various illicit means. Unauthorized recordings, leaks, and hacking are common methods. Unauthorized recordings may involve capturing content during theatrical releases or making unauthorized copies of DVDs and Blu-rays. Leaks can occur when insiders within the industry release content without permission. Hacking involves breaching secure databases to access and distribute copyrighted material.
Content Hosting and Delivery
Once the content is obtained, illegal streaming sites need a platform for hosting and delivering it to users. Peer-to-peer (P2P) file sharing is a prevalent method where users download and share content directly with each other. Research from TECXIPIO found that, on average, 27 million individuals downloaded and shared files via P2P networks every day in 2017. This decentralized approach makes it challenging to trace and shut down specific servers with so many users accessing these networks across the globe. Remote servers are also used, often located in jurisdictions with lax copyright enforcement, providing a layer of protection for the operators.
This lax enforcement, however, should not be confused with lax laws. While one might assume the majority of digital piracy comes from countries with underdeveloped cybersecurity laws, that is just not the case. For instance, in Q3 of 2021 the US was the largest transgressor, with over 2 billion visits to piracy sites — and that was just for TV.
How Illegal Streaming Websites Make Money
The financial motivation behind illegal streaming sites is a driving force for engaging in this illicit activity. INTERPOL identified five routes through which these platforms generate revenue:
Advertisements
Advertisements on the site, often of dubious legitimacy, generate income for illegal streaming sites. They often differ from commercials, as we’ll discuss below, both in terms of format and quality. However, they can also take the form of ads on legitimate sites like Facebook or Amazon that redirect to their unlicensed or illegal product. Regardless, each impression or click can send money away from content creators and into the wrong hands.
Donations
Similar to legitimate websites who rely on user funding, like Wikipedia, many illegal streaming sites ask for donations to continue their services.
Subscriptions
Some sites offer premium subscriptions for enhanced features, enticing users to pay for better streaming quality or exclusive content.
Affiliate Links
While common on YouTube and with influencers, affiliate links have also been co-opted by illegal sites, and such sites get a cut from any money spent on suggested purchases.
Selling User Data
Anything nefarious sites can collect from you is prime to be resold to any number of undisclosed third parties. Names, addresses, and credit card numbers can be spread around the web to the highest bidder, putting you at a high risk of identity theft.
The Goal of Illegal Streaming Websites
Beyond financial gain, operators of illegal streaming websites have ulterior motives. As stated, getting closer to users is a key goal, paving the way for identity theft and unauthorized access to accounts. Users may unknowingly expose themselves to risks such as malware, phishing attacks, or scams, all of which can be used to zero in on a user’s data and wallet.
According to the National Council on Identity Theft Protection, cases of fraud and identity theft have almost tripled in the past decade to 5.7 million reported cases annually. It’s of paramount importance to understand how illegal streaming sites work so you can avoid their lure and keep your information safe.
How To Avoid Illegal Sites
Piracy is not a victimless crime, and the economic impact can be staggering. The International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) estimated global financial losses due to digital piracy in music, movies, and software at $213 billion in 2015. This translates directly into a loss of jobs, with the ICC estimating a net job loss in 2022 of 4.2 to 5.4 million.
Clearly, pirating content comes with a heavy price, but the consequences can reach the individual user as well. It’s illegal to distribute content intended for commercial distribution, and misdemeanor offenses — the lowest level of infraction — can lead to one year in prison and a $100,000 fine.
Therefore, StreamSafely prioritizes educating users on identifying illegal streaming sites and tactics to avoid them. There are numerous red flags to look out for, and cybercriminals looking to steal your data are always changing their strategies. Fortunately, we are committed to providing you with resources and constantly sharing new advice to keep you and your devices protected.
Here are a few warning signs you may be dealing with a streaming site offering pirated content:
- Too Good To Be True: If the platform is offering recently released content for free or surprisingly cheap, it’s likely you’re dealing with an illegal source.
- Suggesting VPNs: Sites hosting illegally distributed material will often recommend users obtain a virtual private network (VPN) in order to view the content. If everything on the site was legal, such encryption likely wouldn’t be necessary.
- Doesn’t Ring a Bell: The less familiar you are with a site, the more likely it is to be problematic.
- Pop-Up Ads: Though legal streaming platforms are rarely ad-free, illegal streaming sites are known for pop-up ads that can be hard to close, low quality, and numerous.
Know Your Enemy and Keep Them at Bay
Understanding the mechanisms of illegal streaming sites is crucial for users to navigate the digital landscape safely. By staying informed and following StreamSafely’s guidance, you can enjoy your favorite movies and TV shows without falling prey to the risks associated with illegal streaming. It’s not just about avoiding legal trouble — it’s about protecting personal data and ensuring a secure online experience.
