● Covered by 2 sources · 2 reportsMedium impact
Over 1,000 Domains Seized for Illegal World Cup Streaming, DOJ Reports
The Department of Justice seized over 1,000 domains streaming World Cup games illegally. Operations by federal agencies targeted illegal streams in the US, Bulgaria, and Peru. This action aims to protect intellectual property and US consumers from potential malware threats.
Key points
- DOJ seized over 1,000 illegal streaming domains during World Cup.
- Operations conducted by HSI and NIPRCC against streaming hubs.
- Effort aims at protecting intellectual property and consumers.
- Domains in US, Bulgaria, and Peru targeted.
- Potential malware risks cited as a concern.
Seizure of Illegal Streaming Domains
The Department of Justice (DOJ) announced the seizure of more than 1,000 domains that illegally streamed World Cup matches. This extensive enforcement action spanned the duration of the tournament and was executed a day after the event concluded with Spain's victory.
The actions were part of coordinated efforts involving Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the National Intellectual Property Rights Coordination Center (NIPRCC). The operation witnessed significant domain seizures in the US, with additional efforts expanding to Colombia, Bulgaria, and Peru, which are identified as central hubs for this illegal activity.
Operation and Objectives
These enforcement actions were undertaken as part of operations dubbed 'operation offsides' and 'operation red card'. The key objectives were upholding intellectual property rights and combating digital piracy that adversely affects broadcasters' revenue streams.
Besides protecting legal broadcasting rights, the initiative aims to safeguard consumers from security risks associated with illicit streaming services, such as malware and data theft. Ivan J. Arvelo of NIPRCC highlighted that unauthorized broadcasts not only infringe on IP rights but also support criminal activities.
Risk to Consumers
Federal officials emphasized the potential dangers posed to consumers by malicious software embedded in these illicit platforms. By availing piracy services, users potentially expose their devices to malware, risking their personal data security.
Matthew Millhollin of HSI stated that criminals who operate these platforms are also likely to use them as vehicles for injecting malware or stealing payment information, stressing the risks beyond intellectual property theft.
✨ This summary was generated by AI from the outlets' reporting listed below. It is not independently verified and may contain errors — check the original sources. How BrevFeed works →
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How outlets covered it
The US Department of Justice has reported the seizure or blocking of almost 3,000 websites involved in illegal World Cup streams. This action, part of 'operation offsides' and 'operation red card', aims to uphold intellectual property rights and combat digital piracy that undermines broadcasters' revenues.
The Department of Justice seized more than 1,000 domains illegally streaming World Cup games. This action, involving multiple federal agencies, aims to protect consumers from potential malware risks associated with illicit streaming services.