What Is Illegal to Watch on the Internet? What You Must Know

Over the past few decades, video content on the Internet has surged, with billions of videos available, from humorous cat videos to informational documentaries on streaming platforms.

As you explore this vast digital landscape, it is crucial to recognize that not all content is legal to consume. From copyrighted material to hate speech and pornography, understanding what falls under illegal content on the internet is not just about legal compliance but also about being a responsible digital citizen.

In this article, we will examine different types of illegal content, discuss the potential consequences of engaging with such content, and provide tips on how to stay safe online.

What Is Illegal to Do or Watch on the Internet?

You must be aware of certain boundaries to navigate the Internet responsibly and within the confines of the law. It is important to be aware of certain online activities that can get you into trouble with the authorities. The following actions may violate the law and result in serious consequences:

• Distributing, downloading, or streaming pirated content such as movies, music, and software
• Sex crimes, including possessing or viewing child pornography
• Publishing or promoting hate speech, violence, or terrorism
• Engaging with criminals for hire
• Identity theft to deceive or defraud the person whose identity was stolen
• Taking or sharing pictures or videos without the consent of the parties involved
• Cybercrimes like bullying and hacking
• Suspicious searches like how to make weapons, how to harm someone, or how to clear evidence of a crime

Authorities can flag your IP address for engaging in or searching for these activities. If you are flagged, your ISP may access your search history and share it with law enforcement agencies if you are suspected of breaking the law.

Below, I’ll list some of the most relevant and risky activities.

Illegal Things You’re Probably Doing Online

From the list above, here are some illegal activities you might engage in, whether you intend to or not.

Streaming Copyrighted Content Unofficially

Unauthorized streaming of copyrighted material, commonly known as content piracy, is among the most widespread online offenses. While it might appear harmless, the legal consequences cause serious concern.

Illegal online streaming platforms make it straightforward and free to access copyrighted materials, but this harms the original creators, who do not receive compensation for their work. Legitimate streaming platforms, like Netflix and Prime Video, have to pay for the rights to stream copyrighted content and ensure that the creators are credited.

Authorities usually target entities that distribute large amounts of pirated content rather than individuals streaming pirated content at home. That said, depending on your country’s laws, illegally streaming copyrighted content can lead to fines or even criminal charges and jail time.

Downloading and Torrenting Content Unlawfully

Torrenting raises the same concerns as unofficial streaming platforms—content creators aren’t compensated fairly. So, similar to streaming copyrighted content on platforms that haven’t adequately licensed it, it’s illegal to download or torrent copyrighted content from unlicensed platforms, whether the content is videos, images, TV shows, movies, or music.

P2P file-sharing services, commonly used for torrenting, are legal. However, downloading or sharing copyrighted content without proper authorization is not. Law enforcement agencies actively monitor P2P networks involved in distributing illegal material.

Depending on the severity of the offense, the penalty for torrenting content illegally includes fines, lawsuits, or even prison time.

Illegal Things to Avoid Searching Online

While you likely don’t intend to search for or discover the content discussed below, you should still know that searching for and viewing it is illegal. To ensure your online experience is safe and legal, I strongly advise that you completely avoid this type of content.

Non-consensual and Child Pornography

Sexually explicit content like pornography is legal in some countries. However, most countries have strict laws against viewing, downloading, or sharing non-consensual or child pornography. The regulations exist to safeguard individuals who may be exploited.

Even searching for such content with the intent to view, download, or share it is considered a criminal offense. Authorities can track your online activity, including Google searches, using your IP address to determine if you have visited websites hosting illegal material. If you’re found guilty of engaging in such a crime, you could be registered as a sex offender.

If you accidentally encounter content like this, you should report the host website or the specific video(s) to law enforcement.

Videos Related to Weapons, Violence, and Terrorism

It’s illegal to use the internet to search for content related to violence, terrorism, or illegal activities, and this can have serious consequences. The following Google searches could flag your IP address and notify law enforcement agencies of potential real-world threats, so you do not want to perform these searches:

• How to create, obtain, or modify illicit weapons
• How to create explosives
• How to promote terrorism or advocate extremism
• How to join a terrorist organization
• How to commit or cover up a violent crime like a murder

How to Stay Safe on the Internet

To ensure you stay within legal boundaries, avoid interacting with illegal content and other illegal material. Additionally, consider these essential safety measures:

• Use strong and unique passwords, especially on social media, where there is a lot of personal information and potentially illegal content.
• Use a firewall and antivirus. We don’t condone illegal activity, but if you engage in it accidentally or out of sheer curiosity, you’ll be particularly vulnerable to malware and viruses.
• Use only secure Wi-Fi networks or a VPN with insecure networks like public Wi-Fi.

Use a VPN to Further Enhance Your Safety

While a virtual private network (VPN) can secure your connection on public Wi-Fi, it also has many other uses. Investing in a VPN is one of the best proactive ways to protect yourself online.

A VPN encrypts your internet connection, making your online activity significantly more private and secure.

A VPN allows you to connect to different servers worldwide, allowing you to access region-locked websites and libraries. While using a VPN like this is against the terms of service for most streaming platforms, it’s not illegal—except in countries where it is explicitly banned.

Below are the best VPNs I’ve tested. I recommend these VPNs for their safety features and performance when streaming video content.

1. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN is my top recommendation. It offers military-grade encryption that increases your security and protects your privacy online. With high-speed servers across 105 countries, you can change your virtual location anytime. Plus, with a 30-day money-back guarantee, you can try it out and get a refund if you don’t like it.

2. CyberGhost

CyberGhost VPN offers many features, including strong encryption and privacy features. While all good VPNs are beginner-friendly, CyberGhost is particularly easy to use. It’s an excellent choice for someone who’s not tech-savvy. Furthermore, CyberGhost has special servers devoted to certain activities, like streaming or torrenting. A subscription also comes with a 45-day money-back guarantee.

3. PIA

Private Internet Access (PIA) offers features and performance similar to other VPNs. Its main selling points are its massive server network and highly customizable features. It is simple to use, even for those new to VPNs. PIA allows unlimited simultaneous device connections with one account, whereas most VPNs allow 7 to 10. Like the other VPNs, PIA has a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Conclusion

You probably know that accessing certain types of online content, such as pirated movies and TV shows, is illegal. Engaging in such activities can get you in trouble with your ISP, at the very least. Additionally, any form of sexual exploitation is strictly illegal and carries severe consequences.

However, other types of content could be dangerous and illegal. These include violent or extremist content or even instructional content related to unlawful activities.

Many people don’t realize that specific online searches can flag you as a potential threat, even if no illegal action follows. If you’re a law-abiding citizen and concerned about privacy, using a VPN can help protect your search history and enhance your online security.

At the end of the day, true online safety comes not only from using privacy tools but also from using the internet ethically and responsibly.

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Topic: Internet