Online piracy is rising again: why it happened and what it means

23 October 2025

Paul Francis

Want your article or story on our site? Contact us here

Bram Stoker: The Man Who Gave the World Dracula

Mary Shelley: The Woman Who Created a Monster and Defined an Era

The Lost Art of Being Bored: Why Doing Nothing Might Be Good for You

After a decade in which legal streaming cut piracy rates, recent data suggest online piracy is on the rise again. The causes are complex: rising subscription costs, fragmentation of content across multiple services, the explosion of easy live streams for sport, and more sophisticated pirate tools. This article explains what changed, who is affected, which piracy formats are growing, and what rights holders and regulators are doing in response.

Computer screens display a pirate-themed website with neon graphics. A person types on a keyboard at a wooden desk, phone nearby.

How streaming briefly won the battle against piracy

In the 2010s and early 2020s, the growth of affordable, convenient streaming services helped reduce piracy. A single subscription gave users safe, high-quality access to large catalogues of film, TV and music, and the model undercut the old incentives to download or torrent. Music piracy fell particularly sharply after Spotify and similar services reached scale. The relative convenience and low friction of legal services made piracy less attractive for many users.

Why piracy is rising again

There is no single cause. Several trends converged to make piracy attractive once more.

1. Rising subscription costs and stacked services:

Streaming prices have climbed in recent years, and many households now subscribe to several platforms to watch everything they want. That perceived loss of value has nudged some viewers back to illegal sources, especially in a tighter economic climate. Industry commentators and analysts have explicitly linked price rises and subscription complexity to growing piracy traffic.

2. Fragmentation and exclusive rights:

Producers increasingly sell shows and sports rights to different platforms. A single season may be split across services or geo-locked to particular markets. For viewers, that means multiple subscriptions to follow a single show or live event. When the content you want appears behind an additional paywall, some viewers turn to pirate feeds instead. Research and reporting identify limited legal access as a key driver of piracy in several markets.

3. Live sports and real-time streaming:

Live sport is especially vulnerable. Rights holders spend billions to secure live broadcast deals, but analysts now describe pirated sports streams as being of “industrial scale”, with illegal feeds drawing tens of thousands of viewers each for major fixtures. That problem is acute because live streams provide a near-perfect substitution for the authorised broadcast and are very hard to police in real time. Reports by media analysts and industry bodies have highlighted the huge scale and financial impact.

4. New distribution methods and cheap tools:

Pirates are not limited to P2P torrents. A shift towards instant streaming, rebuilt indexing sites, “stream-host” platforms, pirate apps and modified streaming devices now enables easy, low-latency access to new releases and live events. These methods tend to lower the technical barrier for casual users who would once have avoided torrents. Monitoring firms report that while classic torrent downloads fell in some categories, streaming-centric piracy has grown.

What the numbers say

Industry tracking firms show a mixed picture but a worrying trend overall. MUSO, a large piracy monitoring firm, recorded hundreds of billions of visits to piracy sites in recent years and noted that while some year-to-year figures fluctuate, the long-term trend is upwards for certain formats and regions.

Independent analysis and consultancy reports that track user behaviour have also linked the recent upward movement in piracy traffic to consumer frustration around cost and access. One recent industry summary concluded that price rises at major streaming services have contributed materially to renewed piracy growth.

For live sports specifically, Enders Analysis and reporting in the Financial Times have shown that pirated feeds are now a significant share of consumption for some high-profile events. The industry talks in terms of “industrial scale theft” when describing these one-to-many illegal streams.

Popular piracy hubs and formats

For context, piracy today is enabled by a variety of sites and platforms. Reporting and monitoring outlets list a mixture of legacy torrent sites, new indexers, stream-hosting portals and modified app ecosystems. Examples frequently cited in industry and trade reporting include established torrent indexes and trackers such as YTS, 1337x, The Pirate Bay, and NYAA; streaming and link-aggregation sites that host or index illegal live and on-demand streams; and apps or “add-ons” for open platforms that facilitate access on cheap set-top devices. These names appear in regular lists of the most trafficked piracy services, though exact rankings change frequently.

Note: this piece names popular services where they are already widely reported, but it does not offer instructions on how to access them or advice that would facilitate infringement.

Who is harmed and how

Rights holders such as studios, broadcasters and sports leagues see direct financial impact from piracy, particularly when live audiences and subscription sales are lost. Broadcasters arguing for higher rights fees are concerned that widespread unauthorised viewing reduces the commercial case for expensive exclusive deals. Advertisers and platforms also argue that piracy undermines the incentives that fund original production.

Consumers face risks too. Many pirate feeds carry malware, poor-quality streams, or surprise charges. Modified devices and unofficial apps often expose users to security and privacy threats, and they can breach the terms of service of legitimate platform providers. Reports from industry bodies emphasise the security danger to users of jailbroken set-top boxes and pirating apps.

What rights holders and governments are doing

The response has multiple strands:

Enforcement and takedowns. Industry coalitions and enforcement groups continue to pursue legal action, takedowns and domain seizures. The International Broadcaster Coalition Against Piracy (IBCAP) and other organisations publish regular reports and action lists showing recent lawsuits and takedowns.
Technical countermeasures. Rights holders employ watermarking, automated detection, and “war rooms” to identify and terminate pirate feeds in real time, particularly for high-value live events.
Industry pressure on platforms. Broadcasters have urged platform providers and marketplaces to do more to block the distribution of pirating apps and to remove listings for illicit devices. Some calls have focused on vendors of popular streaming hardware where jailbroken apps are distributed.
Policy and legislation. In some jurisdictions, courts and regulators are enabling faster blocking and takedown orders, and some governments have strengthened penalties for commercial piracy operations. Efforts to increase platform accountability are under discussion in multiple markets, though progress varies.

Why enforcement alone will not solve it

Experience shows enforcement is necessary but not sufficient. Pirates adapt quickly, and takedowns often produce short-term disruption only for new mirrors, indexes or hosting arrangements to appear. Industry bodies increasingly argue that platform design, supply chains for illicit devices, and the economics of access must be addressed alongside enforcement. In some markets, La Liga’s technical and legal measures to block IPs in real time have reduced particular forms of piracy, suggesting that a mix of legal and technical responses can work when applied at scale. Still, these measures can be controversial when they risk collateral blocking of legitimate services.

What might reduce piracy again?

The evidence points to an integrated approach:

Make lawful access easier and more valuable. When content is simple to find and affordable to access, piracy falls. Bundling, fair regional licensing and more consumer-friendly pricing models will help.
Improve platform and marketplace controls. Tech platforms and device retailers can do more to stop the sale and distribution of modified devices and unauthorised apps.
Rapid technical detection for live streams. Investing in real-time detection and disruption for live event piracy reduces the immediate incentive to watch illegal feeds.
Public information and safer alternatives. Educating consumers about the security risks of pirate streams and offering attractive, legal short-duration passes for premium events would reduce demand.

Piracy has not returned to its early 2000s peak, but recent trends show it is adapting and, in some areas, growing again. The reasons are economic and structural: higher and fragmented subscription costs, stronger incentives to pirate live sports, new distribution channels and persistent regional access barriers. Rights holders, platforms and policymakers face a moving target. Reducing piracy sustainably will require pragmatic pricing, better legal access, technical measures and more cooperation between industry and tech platforms. The alternative is an escalation in enforcement action that risks being expensive, inconsistent and ultimately only partially effective.

Current Most Read

Exploring the Depths of Nerd Culture: A Comprehensive Analysis

Paul Francis
Apr 2, 2024
4 min read

Examination of Nerd Culture's Bright and Dark Sides

A Darth Vader Cosplay on a convention. — Photo by André Volkmann on Unsplash

Nerd culture, once maligned and dismissed, has blossomed into a vibrant tapestry of shared interests, passions, and communities. Spanning realms of fantasy, science fiction, gaming, and beyond, it offers sanctuary to those who find solace in the embrace of imagination and intellect. But within this realm of boundless creativity lie both the luminous peaks of positivity and the shadowy depths of negativity. Join us on a journey through the annals of nerd culture as we navigate its complexities, from its humble origins to its current prominence on the global stage.

The Bright Side: Embracing the Positivity of Nerd Culture

Nurturing Community and Camaraderie

At the heart of nerd culture lies a spirit of camaraderie and inclusion, where enthusiasts from all walks of life come together to celebrate their shared passions. Whether gathered around a gaming table, assembling at a comic convention, or connecting online through forums and social media, nerds forge bonds that transcend barriers of geography, culture, and language. In these sacred spaces, friendships are forged, ideas are exchanged, and lifelong connections are formed.

Fostering Creativity and Expression

Nerd culture is a fertile breeding ground for creativity and self-expression, providing enthusiasts with a canvas upon which to unleash their imagination. From fan art and fan fiction to cosplay and fan films, nerds channel their passion into a myriad of artistic endeavours that enrich and enliven the cultural landscape. Through these acts of creation, they pay homage to the works that inspire them while adding their unique twist to the tapestry of fandom.

Happy African female cybersports gamer getting ready to participate in esports tournament while putting on wired headphones in gaming club

Promoting Diversity and Representation

In recent years, nerd culture has made significant strides towards embracing diversity and championing representation within its ranks. Recognizing the importance of amplifying marginalized voices, enthusiasts have mobilized to challenge stereotypes, break down barriers, and create spaces that are welcoming and inclusive for all. By celebrating a broad spectrum of identities and experiences, nerd culture enriches itself and ensures that everyone has a seat at the table.

Empowering Philanthropy and Social Impact

Beyond the realm of fiction and fantasy, nerd culture has the power to effect real-world change and make a positive impact on society. Through charitable endeavours, fundraisers, and awareness campaigns, enthusiasts harness their collective strength to support causes close to their hearts. From fundraising streams and charity events to volunteering efforts and advocacy work, nerds prove that their passion extends far beyond the confines of their favourite fandoms.

The Dark Side: Confronting the Negativity of Nerd Culture

Gatekeeping and Exclusivity

A person wearing glasses not allowing access

However, for all its virtues, nerd culture is not without its flaws. Perhaps most insidious among these is the phenomenon of gatekeeping, wherein self-appointed guardians seek to police the boundaries of fandom and exclude those who do not meet their arbitrary criteria for authenticity. Whether through esoteric knowledge tests, purity tests, or outright harassment, gatekeepers erect barriers that deter newcomers and perpetuate toxic cycles of exclusion and elitism.

Misogyny and Sexism

Within certain corners of nerd culture, misogyny and sexism continue to rear their ugly heads, poisoning the well of inclusivity and driving away those who dare to challenge the status quo. Women and non-binary individuals are often subjected to harassment, objectification, and discrimination, both online and offline, simply for daring to assert their presence in spaces traditionally dominated by men. Until these toxic attitudes are eradicated, nerd culture will continue to fall short of its potential as a bastion of equality and respect.

Toxic Fan Behavior and Fandom Wars

In the age of social media, fandoms have become battlegrounds where toxic behaviour runs rampant and petty squabbles escalate into full-blown wars. From harassment campaigns and doxxing to toxic fan entitlement and harassment, the darker side of fandom rears its ugly head, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. In the pursuit of validation and dominance, fans lose sight of the joy and camaraderie that once defined their shared interests, transforming their passions into weapons of division and destruction.

Escapism and Avoidance

While escapism can provide a much-needed respite from the trials and tribulations of everyday life, it can also serve as a double-edged sword, enabling individuals to retreat into worlds of fantasy rather than confront the challenges that lie before them. In its most extreme form, escapism becomes a form of avoidance, leading enthusiasts to neglect their responsibilities and relationships in favour of indulging their fantasies. Until nerds learn to strike a balance between escapism and engagement with the real world, they risk losing themselves in the depths of their imagination.

Role-Playing's Role in Nerd Culture: A Tale of Dungeons & Dragons

AI characters of people that are playing D&D

Amidst the tumult of the 20th century, tabletop role-playing games emerged as a beacon of creativity and collaboration, ushering in a new era of nerd culture. Dungeons & Dragons, the undisputed titan of the RPG genre, catalyzed the burgeoning movement, captivating the imaginations of gamers worldwide. Conceived by the visionary duo of Gary Gygax and Dave Arneson, D&D revolutionized the gaming landscape, offering players a unique blend of storytelling, strategy, and camaraderie.

Navigating the Complexities of Nerd Culture

Nerd culture is a multifaceted tapestry woven from the threads of imagination, creativity, and camaraderie. From its luminous peaks to its shadowy depths, it encompasses a spectrum of experiences and emotions that defy easy categorization. As we navigate the complexities of this ever-evolving landscape, let us strive to uphold the values of inclusivity, respect, and empathy that lie at the heart of nerd culture. Only by embracing the full spectrum of our shared passions can we truly unlock the transformative power of nerdom and harness it for the betterment of ourselves and society.