US Seizes Hundreds of World Cup Streaming Sites

The United States seized nearly 400 internet domains that, according to authorities, were being used to illegally stream World Cup soccer matches. The US Department of Justice stated that the goal of the operation was to disrupt international networks that were profiting from the tournament's popularity.

According to the department, the domains offered users illegal live streams of the matches. FIFA, as well as NBC Universal and Warner Bros., assisted US authorities in identifying them.

Investigators noted that such sites not only violate copyright laws but can also pose a risk to viewers. According to US authorities, they expose viewers to malware, unsecured connections and potential leaks of personal or financial data.

The crackdown targeted servers and domains linked to illegal streaming in Peru and Bulgaria, with additional measures taken in Croatia, Romania, Poland and Colombia.

The World Cup began on 11 June in the US, Canada and Mexico and will run through 19 July. FIFA says attendance at the matches has broken a historic record.

(Reuters, Lud)