English Premier League blocks 50 websites, apps illegally streaming in Singapore

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The English Premier League (EPL) has obtained a high court order to block access to 50 pirate domains linked to website and apps streaming matches illegally. This follows a series of court orders obtained since the 2018/2019 season, amounting to 600 pirate domains blocked in Singapore, reported The Straits Times.

The court order affects access to illegal websites and apps that are preloaded into illegal streaming devices.

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Premiere League general counsel Kevin Plumb reportedly said that the organisation is pleased that the courts and law enforcement authorities in Singapore continue to recognise the importance of protecting intellectual property rights. While most EPL fans watch the matches legally, those who use illegal streaming sites, devices and apps are at risk of being exploited by cyber criminals who use these platforms for data theft and scams, Plumb reportedly added.

Outside of Singapore, the EPL is working with local authorities and broadcast partners in Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia and Vietnam to crack down on illegal selling and distribution of content. Earlier in January this year, football fans were served a reminder from Premier League stars such as Manchester United’s Casemiro and Liverpool’s Diogo Jota against piracy as part of the League’s “Boot Out Piracy” campaign.

Done in collaboration with its Singaporean broadcast partner, StarHub, the “Boot Out Piracy” campaign aimed to raise awareness among football fans of the risks and detrimental effects of streaming illegal content. In a series of videos featuring Premier League players, the campaign highlights the dangers of accessing Premier League content through unofficial websites or streaming devices.

With taglines such as “Don’t fall victim to scams, choose celebrating with the fans” and “Don’t risk identity theft, choose back of the net”, the videos each pointed out a reason against using pirated sites to access Premier League content, while imitating the interruptions, audio glitches, and low-quality visuals of pirated footage.

The videos were made available across broadcast channels, social media, websites, and YouTube in the region, including Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Thailand, and Vietnam.

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