Premier League goes after illegal streaming in S'pore, 50 more pirate domains blocked

The Premier League has obtained a high court order to prevent access to 50 pirate domains in Singapore, as part of its latest crackdown on piracy in Asia.

The UK-based Premier League said in a Nov. 27 statement that the ruling requires Singapore internet service providers (ISPs) to block access to these popular pirate domains, which are used by apps and websites to screen Premier League content illegally.

600 domains blocked in S'pore from court orders

More than 600 of such domains have been blocked in Singapore to date, following a series of successful court orders obtained by the Premier League since the 2018/2019 season.

Premier League general counsel Kevin Plumb said: “This is the latest in a number of important court rulings that help combat piracy in Singapore. We are pleased that the courts and law enforcement authorities continue to recognise the importance of protecting intellectual property rights."

Plumb noted that those who access illegal streaming sites, devices and apps put themselves at risk of being exploited by cybercriminals, who would use such platforms to conduct illicit activities like data theft and scams.

As part of its anti-piracy campaign, the Premier League commissioned an August 2024 study that examined 25 popular illicit sports streaming sites in Singapore.

The study found that almost two-thirds of advertisements on pirate platforms are classified as "high-risk", which significantly increases the likelihood of exposure to malware or fraudulent scams, the release stated.

Plumb added that blocking such domains would help to prevent crime and help ensure that fans watch Premier League matches in a "safe, high-quality way".

Crackdown on piracy in Asia

This is part of the Premier League's efforts in the region to crack down on the illegal sale and distribution of Premier League content.

Over 5,000 pirate domains in Indonesia, over 2,500 in Vietnam, and close to 300 in Malaysia have been blocked in the past five years.

In September 2021, Singapore passed a law banning pirate set-top boxes.

This led to a crackdown in Sim Lim Square in October 2022 by the police with support from the Premier League, which led to the seizure of over 2,500 illegal streaming devices and 17 arrests.

A seller was also sentenced to 10 months' jail for selling illegal streaming devices on Oct. 24, 2024.

"The Premier League continues to work closely with its official broadcast licensee StarHub, as well as Singapore authorities to take action against illegal streaming and help fans recognise the hidden dangers of piracy," the organisation concluded in its statement.

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Top image from @ErlingProp/X & Premier League/Facebook