For those who want to watch free live streaming sport events or streaming movies. You are out of luck.
Just days before the biggest TV event of the year at Super Bowl XLV, the ICE – Homeland Security Investigations, Special Agent in Charge, New York Office seized warrant obtained by US Attorney Office of New York.
A court order was released on January 2, 2011 in federal court in Manhattan. Shutting down 10 streaming websites accused of illegally showing live and pay-per-view sports events.
Some of the most popular streaming websites seized are:
- Rojadirecta.org
- Channelsurfing.net
- ATDHE.net
- HQ-Streams.com
- HQ-Streams.net
- Firstrow.net
- Ilemi.com
- Iilemi.com
- Iilemii.com
- Rojadirecta.com
All alleged websites were accused of distribution of copyrighted material online without authorization resulting in millions of revenue lost by sports leagues and other broadcasts.
All alleged websites were streaming live materials from National Football League, National Basketball Assn., National Hockey League, World Wrestling Entertainment and Ultimate Fighting Championship.
All websites now contain a note stating:
This domain name has been seized by ICE – Homeland Security Investigations, Special Agent in Charge, New York Office, in accordance with a seizure warrant obtained by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York and issued pursuant 18 U.S.C. SS 981 and 2323 by the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York.
It is unlawful to reproduce or distribute copyrighted material, such as moves, music, software or games, without authorization. Individuals who willfully reproduce or distribute copyrighted material, without authorization, risk criminal prosecution under 18 U.S.C. S 2319. First-time offenders convicted of a criminal felony copyright law will face up to five years in federal prison, restitution, forfeiture and fine.
this is ridiculous. Cater to the Big Sports industry, but still there are sites stealing songwriters' music daily. No surprise.