Singapore’s High Court has ordered internet service providers to block 47 domains offering unauthorized streams of Premier League content. The ruling follows an application by the Premier League and represents a continued effort to curb digital piracy in the region.
Expanding Crackdown on Illegal Streaming
This latest order builds on previous successes, with nearly 800 infringing domains blocked in Singapore since the 2018/19 season. It also follows a recent court order blocking 53 domains linked to 22 illegal streaming websites, secured by the Asia Video Industry Association’s Coalition Against Piracy.
The order, obtained jointly by BBC Studios, the Premier League, and DFL Deutsche Fußball Liga, targeted heavily accessed pirate platforms. Concerns are growing regarding the increasing sophistication of these services and the associated risks to users, including malware, data theft, and scams.
Broader Regional Efforts
The Premier League’s efforts extend beyond Singapore. Over the past six years, more than 30,000 websites and apps providing unauthorized access to Premier League content have been blocked across the Asia Pacific region. The League is actively collaborating with local partners, governments, and law enforcement to pursue legal action against those involved in illegal streaming and related criminal activities.
“This is another significant court ruling in Singapore that strengthens the fight against digital piracy,” said Stefan Sergot, Director of Legal – Enforcement at the Premier League. “Illegal streaming services place users at wider risk of cybercrime… By preventing access to these sites, we are fighting criminal behaviour while supporting the majority of our fans who choose to watch Premier League matches in a safe, high-quality way.”
The Premier League is also continuing its ‘Boot Out Piracy’ campaign in Singapore for a fifth year, aiming to raise awareness about the dangers of illegal streams. Research by cybersecurity expert Professor Paul Watters found that pirate websites in Singapore are over 13 times riskier than mainstream sites when it comes to scams, with every site analyzed containing at least one cyber threat.
Professor Watters’ research also revealed that 71% of advertisements on pirate platforms promote harmful content. Users of these platforms risk having their personal data compromised and their internet connections exploited for criminal activity.
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted this latest court order?
The Singapore High Court issued the order following a successful application by the Premier League to block 47 domains illegally showing Premier League content.
What are the risks associated with using pirate streaming sites?
Users of pirate streaming sites face risks including malware, data theft, scams, identity fraud, and potential involvement in criminal activity, according to research cited by the Premier League.
Is the Premier League taking action beyond Singapore?
Yes, the Premier League has blocked over 30,000 websites and apps providing unauthorized access to its content across the Asia Pacific region over the past six years.
Will continued legal action and public awareness campaigns be enough to eliminate digital piracy of Premier League content?