1K internet domains were used to illegally stream World Cup matches

(NewsNation) — At least 1,000 internet domains illegally streamed the FIFA World Cup finals, resulting in the Department of Justice (DOJ) seizing them in what the agency called “Operation Offsides,” according to a press release Monday.

The sites violated United States copyright law, the DOJ said. Consumers accessing the sites risked unknowingly installing malicious software on their devices.

The Trump administration added that the seizures were part of an “ongoing effort to protect copyright while reducing the risk to American consumers from the malicious software embedded in many illicit streaming services.”

“Protect your online presence and enjoy the finals with official streaming partners,” said Matthew Millhollin, deputy executive associate director of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).

A warrant was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, and HSI special agents determined the domains were allegedly broadcasting World Cup matches without authorization, meaning they offered users copyrighted material in live streams.

The DOJ’s International Computer Hacking and Intellectual Property program coordinated with governmental organizations abroad, including in Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Paraguay and Peru.

The collaboration resulted in blocking hundreds of illegal streaming sites, including 1,140 in Colombia and 309 in Brazil, according to the administration.

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