Pirate Warning: Premier League Fans Face ‘Danger’ If They Try to Stream North London Derby Illegally
The Premier League has been plagued by illegal streaming issues for years, with fans turning to illegal sites to watch their favorite teams play. But now, a new anti-piracy initiative is aiming to stop fans from making a dangerous mistake.
BeStreamWise, a coalition of organizations including the Federation Against Copyright Theft (FACT), the Intellectual Property Office, and Crimestoppers UK, is warning Premier League fans that trying to stream the North London derby between Arsenal and Tottenham illegally could put them in harm’s way.
According to a recent YouGov poll, one in ten Britons are now using illegal broadcasts to watch sport, including the Premier League. This has led to a rise in illegal IPTV streaming, which is often accessed through jailbroken Fire Sticks.
In the past, fans have been warned about the consequences of accessing illegal streams. In 2022, two brothers were sentenced to 11 years in prison for running an illegal IPTV streaming service.
Now, BeStreamWise is taking a different approach. The organization is planning to "intercept" fans who are searching for an illegal stream of the North London derby and redirect them to a legitimate site where they can watch the match with a comedian providing football commentary.
But why are they taking this approach? It’s because illegal streaming isn’t just illegal, it’s also dangerous. The websites and apps that provide these illegal streams often distribute malware, sophisticated scams, and explicit content.
By streaming the match illegally, fans are also putting their personal information at risk. The sites they visit often demand payment details and email addresses, which can be shared with criminal organizations.
BeStreamWise is warning fans that illegally streaming the Premier League could open them up to several other risks in addition to potential legal action. "In all cases, users should be on their guard. Sites and apps are often used to deliver dangerous or malicious content, such as malware, sophisticated scams, and extreme/explicit content," they said in a statement.
So, what can you do to stay safe and watch the Premier League legally?
The best option is to use a legitimate streaming service or purchase a TV license. These services offer a legal and safe way to watch your favorite teams play, without putting your personal information at risk.
We’ll be keeping a close eye on the Premier League and the anti-piracy efforts to keep fans safe. Follow us on all social media platforms for more updates!