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

The Department of Justice recently completed a significant operation involving the seizure of over 1,000 internet domains. These sites were used to illegally stream FIFA World Cup matches, violating United States copyright law.

Known as Operation Offsides, this enforcement effort aimed to protect intellectual property while addressing the safety of American consumers. Authorities noted that many of these illicit streaming services contained malicious software, which users risked installing on their devices when accessing the content.

Special agents from Homeland Security Investigations carried out the seizures following a warrant filed in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia. The operation received support from various international partners, including governmental organizations in Brazil, Colombia, and several other South American nations.

Officials emphasized the importance of utilizing official streaming partners to avoid potential security risks. The coordinated effort resulted in the successful removal of hundreds of sites, including more than 1,100 in Colombia and over 300 in Brazil, marking a broad attempt to disrupt unauthorized broadcasting networks.