An all-new anti-piracy scheme in the UK is raising eyebrows; it’s attempting to deter users from accessing online illegal streams.
The campaign is called BeStreamWise, aiming to discourage individuals from using illicit streams to view live content and more.
The main focus of the campaign is the slogan: “Illegal Streams Let Criminals In.”
It seems that heavy hitters in the media industry are trying a new tactic to discourage access to pirated content.
Their latest scheme involves highlighting the risks associated with using illegal streams.
BeStreamWise
The campaign revolves around the name and website called BeStreamWise, featuring propaganda aimed at deterring online streaming.
This includes highlighting dangers like viruses & malware, ID theft, scams & fraud, and inappropriate content associated with piracy and IPTV Services.
They convey these risks through a video detailing problems linked to pirated streams.
In another video posted by BeWiseStreams, a booth in London’s Paddington Station advertises a free streaming service for life called “MalStreams.”
Users provide their information including name, email, phone number, and payment details to sign up for MalStreams.
After agreeing to terms, users are greeted with a warning page stating, “You Have Just Let Criminals In.”
A note follows, cautioning users that free content services “can be too good to be true and aren’t always legal.”
Users are then directed to visit the BeStreamWise.com website, which offers safer ways to enjoy content and highlights the dangers of illegal streaming.
The website presents various “facts” about illicit streaming, emphasizing how “illegal streams let criminals in, making it easy to hack your device, steal your money, personal data, and identity.”
Many of the claims presented as “facts” stem from various studies that are not publicly available, making these claims seem hollow.
Yet, this hasn’t deterred them from spreading this narrative across the UK, going as far as erecting a billboard in Belfast that has gained attention on Reddit.
A Reddit user named BassGaming commented on the billboard and the BeStreamWise campaign, questioning the validity of the statistics and claims made on their website.
Their website contains many outlandish and nonsensical statements. The statistics they present are irrelevant to streaming, appearing to combine unrelated data points. It’s akin to correlating the population density of storks to illegal streaming activities. While a correlation may exist, it’s entirely irrelevant to the argument being made.
One amusing aspect of the BeStreamWise website is the message that pops up when visiting the site.
Ironically, the same entity cautioning about criminals obtaining your data from online streams is requesting your personal information when using their website.
Furthermore, scanning the BeStreamWise website with VirusTotal revealed a malicious file associated with it.
It’s no surprise that
The organization behind the initiative consists of a minimum of 8 members: Sky, Premier League, Warner Brothers, ITV, Universal, Disney, MGM, Paramount, and more. Our perspective on the BeStreamWise campaign is that it is a comically poor effort to reduce online streaming and piracy. The scheme seems to target users of streaming devices like a Firestick for media consumption, even acknowledging this in their FAQs. While streaming from devices like Amazon Firesticks is legal, many are altered with unauthorized apps or add-ons enabling access to copyrighted content illicitly, often distributed with a one-time fee through unofficial channels. Sky and other corporations’ plan appears nonsensical, invoking fear to drive people towards purchasing subscriptions. Your data’s vulnerability remains a concern regardless of where it is stored, given the history of major corporations experiencing breaches, leaks, and cyberattacks. It’s essential to safeguard yourself with tools like a VPN, anonymous email addresses, and secure payment methods such as Bitcoin or Abine Blur. This content was originally shared by TorrentFreak. Share your views on the BeStreamWise initiative – do you believe it will effectively reduce online streaming, or will it tarnish the reputation of these media companies? Stay informed on the latest streaming updates, reviews, and tips by following the weekly TROYPOINT Advisor, offering top cord-cutting advice for optimal streaming device usage and more. Join over 800,000 Advisor subscribers by clicking the link below for the Free TROYPOINT Advisor.