US Seizes Nearly 400 Websites Illegally Streaming World Cup

U.S. authorities have taken significant action against illegal World Cup streaming by seizing nearly 400 internet domains. The U.S. Justice Department announced the move on Friday, characterizing it as a crucial step in dismantling international networks that profit from the global popularity of the soccer tournament.

The operation, which involved collaboration with soccer's governing body FIFA, as well as media companies like NBC Universal and Warner Brothers, targeted domains used to illegally broadcast copyright-protected World Cup matches in real-time. The Justice Department highlighted that these unauthorized streams not only violate copyright laws but also pose security risks to viewers.

Eric Weindorf, a special agent in charge at Homeland Security Investigations, stated in a release that these streamers expose users to potential threats, including malware attacks and insecure connections that could compromise personal and financial data. The coordinated effort involved targeting servers and domains linked to the unauthorized streaming in multiple countries, including Peru, Bulgaria, Croatia, Romania, Poland, and Colombia.

The World Cup, which kicked off on June 11 in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, is scheduled to run until July 19 across 16 host cities. The tournament has already set all-time attendance records, and recent matches have been among the most-watched television programs, underscoring its immense popularity and the significant financial stakes involved in its broadcasting rights.

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These streamers not only violate copyright laws but also expose viewers to potential threats, including malware attacks and unsecure connections that can compromise personal and financial data.