The U.S. Department of Justice says it seizes nearly 400 websites that were illegally streaming World Cup matches. The operation targets servers and domains connected to unauthorized broadcasts, which the DOJ describes as benefiting international piracy networks exploiting the tournament’s popularity.
According to the DOJ, investigators identify the sites with assistance from FIFA and other partners in the industry, including major media companies such as NBC Universal and Warner Bros. The actions include seizures of servers and domains in Peru and Bulgaria, along with disruptions reported in several other countries. Those additional locations mentioned across reports include Croatia, Romania, Poland, and Colombia.
Reporting also describes the campaign as a broad, coordinated effort to dismantle a network used to distribute live matches without authorization. Officials also warn that such illegal streams can present security risks for viewers, including exposure to malware or other forms of compromise. The DOJ frames the move as disrupting networks that profit from piracy rather than addressing any single broadcaster.
