Who wouldn't appreciate indulging in trending TV shows or immersing in a live soccer game after a hectic day? Streaming sites offer a vibrant space for such enjoyable escapes. However, the high costs of legitimate platforms often lead users to explore illegal alternatives. Shockingly, a report indicates that over 215 billion peopleglobally visited illegal streaming sites in 2022, and this number continues to surge daily.
Despite their free access, these illegal streaming sites pose a lot of risks. This blog will shed light on the top 8 illegal streaming sites you should be wary of at the moment. We'll also let you know ways by which you can identify these illicit sites. Keep reading!
- Part 1: List of Popular Illegal Streaming Sites
- Part 2: Hazards of Illegal Streaming Services
- Part 3: Ways to Protect Kids from These Illegal Sites
- Part 4: Tips to Recognize Illegal Streaming Websites
- Part 5: FAQs about Illegal Streaming Services
List of Popular Illegal Streaming Sites
Illicit streaming sites provide access to exclusive content through peer-to-peer technology or by utilizing powerful search engines to redirect users to desired TV shows, movies, live soccer matches, and more. Now, let's look at the top illicit sports and movie sites you should beware of.
1. 123movies
Operating from Vietnam, the site allowed users to stream and download trending TV shows and series without signing up.
Before it was permanently shut down in 2018, 123movies, also known as 123movieshub, GoStream, GoMovies, or Memovies, stood out as one of the world's most popular illegal movie streaming sites.However, some mirror clone sites, like 0123movie.net, persist and these clones pose risks due to malicious ads and viruses, potentially compromising your data.
2. Moviesjoy
Moviesjoy is another illicit streaming platform allowing users to access premium TV shows and movies without any cost. Operating in various countries, including the US, UK, and China, the site doesn't demand registration and is devoid of intrusive ads.
However, despite its user-friendly appearance, using the site may induce legal consequences due to unauthorized movie downloads. Furthermore, the hidden owner information is also an indication that visiting the site may pose more dangers than initially anticipated.
3. Vumoo
Boasting a library of over 1000 movies and a convenient search tab, Vumoo stands out as an entertainment haven. Similar to 123movies and MovieJoy, Vumoo offers cost-free, and registration-free access, allowing users to download movies for later viewing during busy times. However, despite these perks, the site requires push notifications to work, leaving your devices vulnerable to disturbing pop-ups each time you visit.
4. Roja Directa
As one of the illegal sports streaming sites, Roja Directa, a Spanish-based site with a history spanning over 16 years, primarily focuses on live soccer matches. It caters to a global audience with language options including English, French, Arabic, and Spanish, and even offers an app for Android users to enjoy free live matches.
Tested to be free of malicious ads, malware, or phishing links, the site allows users to access live matches without the need for sign-ups. Despite its seemingly legitimate appearance, information from various sources suggests that a significant portion of the live games on this site are aired without proper permissions.
5. Flixtor
Flixtor is another site that grants unauthorized access to exclusive movies and TV shows and allows users to download content for later use. This platform offers a Premium plan with ad-free access.
Due to intrusive ads on Flixtor, your safety is not guaranteed. What's more, it is an unauthorized streaming site, whose streaming may even jeopardize the security of your devices and compromise personal data.
6. Soap2day
Soap2day is yet another unlicensed movie and TV series streaming site you should watch out for. Even though the site promises the absolute safety of your device, there are lots of reasons you shouldn't fall for that.
The site employs push notifications for displaying malicious ads and harbors spyware that monitors your activities solely by visiting. Web checkers also reveal the presence of significant viruses on the site which can potentially impact your device's functionality and expose your personal data to malicious actors.
7. Putlocker
Originating in the UK, Putlocker was a reliable yet illicit streaming site for accessing free trending movies and popular TV series.
In 2017, the well-known putlocker.ch faced multiple takedowns across various countries, including the UK and India. Since then, the site has struggled to regain its footing, but numerous mirror clone websites persist. During its active period, the site was notorious for consistent pop-up and banner ads, posing risks to users and their devices.
8. FMovies
Launched in 2016, FMovies, this illegal moviestreaming site allows you to watch the latest movies and TV shows without proper authorization. The movie site has been blocked in several countries, and it's facing legal action in regions where it has not been blocked.
If you don't want your data to be compromised, avoid this site. The site is loaded with a lot of pop-up ads which house malicious and phishing links. It is even reported that the site hosts loads of malware and viruses that monitor and send your data to unscrupulous actors.
Hazards of Illegal Streaming Sites
It's crucial to note that engaging in illegal streaming services can consequently expose you to the following dangers:
Offensive Content:Illegal streaming services lack proper monitoring, making it easy for offensive content such as fake news,erotic images, and cyberbullying to fly.
Malware and Viruses:Illegal streaming sites are often hosted on servers with little or no security measures. So, each time you visit the websites, your system can be infected by viruses which can leave your personal data at risk.
Malicious Pop-ups:In my test,some illegal streaming websitesasked me to enable notifications permission. I did so and then abundant annoying notifications popping up on my browser. Once you click to close them, your devices will be monitored by cyber criminals.
Legal Prosecution:Accessing exclusive and premium content without authorization is illegal in many countries. In the US for instance, you may be fined up to $5000 for streaming copyrighted content from illegal sites.
Ways to Protect Kids from These Illegal Sites
Many illegal streaming sites, especially those focused on sports, lack age restrictions. If your children are already visiting these sites, take these top three ways to safeguard your kids from exposure to illegal streaming channels:
Have a Conversation With Your Kids
The first approach to shield kids from falling prey to illegal streaming websites is through open conversation. Never assume that your children are aware of the risks associated with illegal movie sites. Take the time to educate them about the dangers of using such services.
Use Legal Streaming Websites and Services
Another way to keep your kids safe online is by making them use legitimate streaming websites and services. Legit streaming sites, unlike illegal ones, are hosted on servers with adequate security measures and regulations, making it difficult for hackers and other cyber criminals to hurt, scam, or harvest your children's personal information.
Limit Your Kids' Access to Illegal Streaming Sites
If, despite educating your kids about the dangers of illegal movie channels, there's no noticeable behavioral change, consider restricting their access to these sites. Numerous methods exist, but one highly effective approach involves utilizing the AirDroid Parental Control app.
- AirDroid Parental Control & Website Fliter
- Block the entire illegal website category
- Customize a blacklist of URLs that you don't wish your child to access
- Monitor your child's browsing history and trigger alters
This app can assist in filtering the entire illegal site category from your kids' search engine resultswhen they use AirDroid Browser. If that is not enough, the app can also help you restrict specific illegal streaming sites from your child's device.
Tips for Recognizing Illegal Streaming Sites
Sometimes, free streaming sites seem to be harmless and indeed they are illegal.This time, we've got good news. Below are ways to help youidentify illegal streaming:
Movies and Sports Programs are Offered for Free
Many illegitimate streaming site owners realize how people want to have access to premium content without spending a dime. Therefore, they begin to offer exclusive content for free. If a site is offering you access to exclusive content with zero charges, just know that such a site is illegal.
Poor Images or Video Quality
Videos from illegal streaming sites are often poor because these sites compress the video sizes for faster streaming. Additionally, these sites may not have access to high-quality content and may prioritize quick uploads over maintaining video quality.
Buffering Issues
Buffering issues are one of the common drawbacks of many illegal streaming sites. Most of these sites lack robust infrastructures which can lead to slow servers and limited bandwidth. Additionally, they use low-quality servers and unreliable hosting services, which also contribute significantly to buffering issues.
Excessive Ads
Another way to recognize illegal streaming platforms is the constant ads. These ads serve as a way for the sites to generate revenue since the majority of them barely generate income through subscriptions.
Constant Redirection to Other Sites
Illegal streaming websites may redirect you to other sites for various reasons. One common motive isto generate additional revenue through affiliate marketing. By redirecting users to partner websites or services, they will earn commissions for each visitor or successful transaction.
FAQsabout Illegal Streaming Services
What Happens If I Visit an Illegal Streaming Site?
Elsa
Visiting illegal streaming sites poses a risk to your personal information since these sites lack the security architecture to shield you from malware and viruses. Additionally, in certain countries, you can be tracked and prosecuted by law enforcement authorities for visiting illegal streaming sites.
Is It Against The Law to Watch Movies for Free?
Elsa
This answer is both yes and no. As long as you're streaming from a legitimate site, you can enjoy watching movies online for free.
Are There Any Free Streaming Sites Legal?
Elsa
Yes! Numerous legal and free websites allow you to watch movies online. Some examples include Peaco*ck Free, Crackle, Tobi, IMBb TV, and so on.
