The U.S. Department of Justice announces the seizure of nearly 400 websites accused of illegally streaming FIFA World Cup matches in violation of U.S. copyright law. The action, described as part of a broader international enforcement effort, disrupts servers and domains used to provide unauthorized broadcasts that generate profits for piracy networks.
Multiple outlets report that the operation involves law enforcement cooperation across countries and includes targets identified with assistance from FIFA and major media companies. The enforcement is carried out by seizing domains and disrupting related infrastructure in different regions. Reports name Peru and Bulgaria as places where servers and domains linked to the alleged streaming activity are targeted, with additional disruptions reported in countries including Croatia, Romania, Poland and Colombia.
Several outlets also warn that viewers using unauthorized streams may face cybersecurity and privacy risks, such as malware or data compromise, when accessing illegal sites.
Overall, the DOJ says the operation focuses on dismantling the online infrastructure used for illegal World Cup streaming rather than specific individuals, while emphasizing copyright enforcement and international coordination.
