The US Justice Department’s Criminal Division has taken a major step in protecting consumers and enforcing intellectual property rights worldwide by seizing nearly 400 web domains used for illegally streaming matches at the FIFA World Cup. These websites, which provided unauthorized real-time streams of the tournament, were operating in clear violation of U.S. copyright law.
The action was coordinated with international partners through the International Computer Hacking and Intellectual Property (ICHIP) Network, a global effort led by the National Intellectual Property Rights Coordination Center. Authorities targeted servers and domains in multiple countries, including Peru and Bulgaria, as well as Croatia, Romania, Poland, and Colombia. This widespread operation demonstrates the growing recognition of the need for international cooperation to combat online piracy.
The seized domains were identified using leads provided by U.S. authorities, with assistance from key stakeholders such as FIFA (Fédération Internationale de Football Association), beIN Media Group, NBCUniversal, the Motion Picture Association’s Alliance for Creativity and Entertainment (ACE), Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), and Warner Bros. These organizations have long been at the forefront of efforts to combat online piracy and protect their intellectual property.
According to Special Agent in Charge Eric Weindorf of ICE Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Washington Field Office, 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. This is a critical reminder for consumers to be vigilant when accessing online content, particularly during major events like the World Cup.
The seizure of these domains is part of a broader effort to combat online piracy and protect intellectual property rights worldwide. Earlier this month, ACE, UEFA, UC3, and Mexican authorities shut down 44 domains linked to the PirloTV streaming platform, which aggregates and embeds links to unauthorized live sports streams. These platforms often target viewers in specific regions, such as Latin America, and can generate significant traffic – with over 950 million visits per year.
The use of platforms like PirloTV is driven by the complexity of broadcasting rights and access restrictions for major events like the World Cup. However, this does not justify violating copyright laws or putting consumers at risk. As the global community continues to grapple with these challenges, it’s essential that security teams prioritize testing their defenses against increasingly sophisticated threats.
In light of this operation, it’s crucial for consumers to be aware of the risks associated with accessing unauthorized online content. When seeking to watch major events like the World Cup, always opt for official streaming platforms and exercise caution when clicking on links or downloading software from unknown sources. By being informed and vigilant, we can all play a role in protecting our own data and intellectual property rights.
Source: Bleeping Computer — 2026-06-29