Be aware of what you’re streaming this festive period (Picture: Getty Images)
As you settle in over the festive season to binge the latest season of your favourite TV series with a mince pie in hand, or tune in to watch a much-awaited sporting event, do you know where your content is coming from?
For those using illegal streaming platforms, the simple answer is no.
BeStreamWise, an initiative which launched last year, aims to raise awareness of the dangers of piracy when accessing film, TV or sport through illegal platforms, links and devices, which open you up to everything from malware, to scams and fraud.
Illegal streaming services may seem like a victimless route to accessing free content, but they’re increasingly operated by sophisticated criminal networks, that could be involved in other types of illicit activity. By streaming illegally, you may be opening your home to these criminals – and the consequences may be dire.
Showing how unaware of the risks so many of us are, research from Opinium also showed that despite close to half (45%) of the UK knowing illegal streaming is a serious crime, 1 in 10 believe they’re not at risk* – but these viewing practices are not victimless.
Far from a few annoying pop-up ads, you may actually be giving these networks access to your personal data, banking details and key information relating to your identity. From debilitating computer viruses to scams and ID theft, things can easily turn nasty. It can also expose young people to inappropriate content due to the lack of parental controls.
Illegal streaming is far from victimless (Picture: Getty Images)
BeStreamWise has been formed in partnership with key players from across the sports, film, and TV industries – including Sky, FACT, ITV, Premier League, CrimeStoppers, the Intellectual Property Office and Industry Trust – in an effort to help viewers understand the personal risks of illegal streaming and identify safer options to enjoy their favourite content.
Although 1 in 3 Brits feel safe when illegally streaming content*, over 2.7 million illegal streamers had their devices infected with viruses in 2022**.
The stats show many have been negatively impacted after using these platforms, with close to half of respondents in a 2022 Dynata survey (45%), saying that the devices used to illegally stream slowed or crashed, and that they lost personal data, photos, and videos.
It was found people who took part in the survey also stated they were victims of fraud scams and identity theft, with the risk increasing significantly when they exchanged credit or debit card information to view copyrighted content on unregulated and illicit websites.
A BeStreamWise spokesperson says that the perception that illegal streaming is a victimless crime is completely inaccurate.
Although 1 in 3 Brits feel safe when illegally streaming content*, over 2.7 million illegal streamers had their devices infected with viruses in 2022** (Picture: Getty Images)
‘The sites and apps that host these services contain malicious links, back doors, and tricks to access people’s digital and financial information, giving professional criminals the ability to steal from anyone who participates in these activities.
‘Whether it’s multiple charges to credit cards, installing malware on devices, accessing bank accounts, or stealing personal information such as emails, messages, contacts, photographs, documents and browsing history, engaging in illegal streaming makes you a prime target for professional fraudsters.
‘And what is worse, because these activities are illegal, victims may have little or no recourse for recovering their losses and may even face criminal charges themselves.’
For more information, visit bestreamwise.com.
How to stay safe when streaming content
BeStreamWise recommends:
1. Beware of online pop-up ads and ads for streaming services online. Verify their legitimacy independently by researching the brand. A simple way to do this is by searching the provider’s name alongside “SCAM” to uncover information about it. If it is a scam you may find feedback about this online.
2. Never share personal or financial details online or elsewhere unless you are certain you are dealing with a legitimate brand. Be suspicious of adverts that use urgency or other pressure tactics to get you to buy or subscribe. Don’t act in the heat of the moment. It is always best to verify their official website or with their customer service before acting.
3. Use unique strong passwords with numbers and special characters for all your accounts. Never reuse your password for more than one site and use a password manager if possible. Enabling MFA (multi-factor authentication) allows for another layer of security whenever someone tries to log in to your accounts.
4. Check your bank statements regularly. Notify your bank if you see anything suspicious or unexpected on your account.
5. Remember that scams come in all shapes and sizes. You can be contacted via phone, text, email or through social media DMs. Scammers will ask the victim to give something whether that’s money, information or even to click on links or open attachments. You should be suspicious and double-check before sending money or information, especially if you feel emotional or time pressure to do so.
*Opinium Consumer Research of 2,000 UK Respondents
**Walnut Unlimited / Industry Trust 2022, 2023