US government seizes over 1,000 websites streaming FIFA World Cup

US government partners, led by the National Intellectual Property Rights Coordination Center (IPR Center), conducted “Operation Offsides” around the World Cup.

Over a 30-day period, authorities seized more than 1,000 websites and blocked 1,970 website domains that illegally streamed FIFA World Cup matches. 

The operation was supported by intelligence and leads from public- and private-sector partners.

The IPR Center coordinated Operation Offsides, with investigations conducted by 14 partners across 54 countries. It was led by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Washington, DC, with assistance from the Department of Justice (DOJ) Eastern District of Virginia Assistant US Attorney’s Office and the DOJ Criminal Division’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section.

The IPR Center received more than 3,000 leads on domains suspected of illegally streaming the FIFA World Cup from ACE and other private and public sector partners.

ACE’s members include Amazon, Apple TV, Netflix, Paramount Global, Sony Pictures, Universal Studios, The Walt Disney Studios, and Warner Bros. Discovery.

“The World Cup is the kind of global live event that piracy networks move quickly to exploit – a massive playing field where criminals seek to steal broadcasts, undermine legitimate distribution, turn a profit, and endanger fans,” said Charles Rivkin, Chairman and CEO of the Motion Picture Association and Chairman of ACE. “Operation Offsides showed us what’s possible when rightsholders and law enforcement move quickly against shared targets.”

“The unauthorised broadcast of World Cup matches violates intellectual property rights and fuels criminal organisations,” said Ivan J. Arvelo, Director of the IPR Center. “Through Operation Offsides and strong partnerships with law enforcement and the private sector, we identified and seized hundreds of domains, disrupting those who steal and distribute copyrighted content. Our ongoing efforts ensure that the excitement of the World Cup reaches fans through legitimate, secure channels.”

Adrian Pennington recently investigated how experts tackled the range of cybercriminal attacks that sought to cash in on the largest, most digitally connected sporting event ever staged, the FIFA World Cup. Discover more here.