BREIN Takes Down More Than 400 Pirate Websites and Services in 2022

The Fight Against Online Piracy: BREIN Takes Down Over 400 Pirate Websites and Services in 2022

The battle against online piracy continues to rage on, with anti-piracy group BREIN making significant strides in its efforts to protect the rights of copyright holders. In 2022, BREIN achieved a remarkable feat by taking down over 400 pirate websites and services, marking a substantial increase compared to the previous year when they managed to shut down 327 sites.

An Introduction to BREIN

BREIN, which stands for Bescherming Rechten Entertainment Industrie Nederland (Rights Protection Entertainment Industry Netherlands), has been at the forefront of the fight against piracy in the Netherlands since its establishment in 1998. The organization tirelessly works to safeguard the intellectual property rights of content creators and distributors by combatting pirate sites and services that unlawfully distribute copyrighted materials without permission.

Over 400 Pirate Sites Shut Down by BREIN in 2022

In 2022, BREIN intensified its efforts to tackle piracy head-on and successfully took down a total of 449 pirate websites and services. These included a wide range of platforms involved in the distribution of copyrighted content, such as torrent websites, streaming sites, streaming apps, cyberlockers, and IPTV services, among others. By focusing on these notorious sites, BREIN aimed to disrupt the illegal distribution of movies, TV shows, music, e-books, and other copyrighted materials.

Notable Pirate Sites Targeted by BREIN

The list of pirate sites and services shut down by BREIN in 2022 is extensive. Notable entries that caught BREIN’s attention and were subsequently taken down include:

• The Pirate Bay
• Rarbg
• 1337x
• YTS
• EZTV
• LimeTorrents
• KickassTorrents

These sites had gained infamy for their role in facilitating the unauthorized distribution of copyrighted content, making them prime targets for BREIN’s enforcement actions.

Comprehensive Anti-Piracy Efforts in 2022

BREIN’s fight against piracy extended beyond the shutdown of pirate sites. Throughout the year, the organization carried out a multitude of enforcement actions, aiming to disrupt and dismantle the infrastructure supporting online piracy. Some of the key efforts undertaken by BREIN in 2022 include:

• Completion of 458 investigations, with 40 ongoing cases
• Removal of 449 illegal sites/services
• Stopping of 328 proxies used to access blocked sites
• Halting of 19 illegal traders involved in IPTV/VOD subscriptions, with 11 ongoing investigations
• Taking offline 7 streaming sites engaged in unauthorized content distribution
• Investigation and cessation of 19 major uploaders, administrators, and scripters
• Addressing 36 advertisers on illegal sites
• Removal of 290,324 Google search results linked to piracy
• Elimination of 2,869 online advertisements promoting illegal copies
• Resolution of 45 piracy cases, including 16 ‘knock & talks’ – in-person discussions with infringers
• Settlement of 8 online cases involving physical carriers
• Delisting of 341 unique domains associated with blocked sites by Google

These extensive efforts demonstrate BREIN’s commitment to combating piracy through various channels, targeting different aspects of the piracy ecosystem.

The Impact of Piracy on the Entertainment Industry

The rampant prevalence of online piracy poses a severe threat to the entertainment industry, resulting in substantial financial losses each year. Piracy undermines the hard work and creativity of content creators, as well as the legitimate revenue streams that support the industry. By illegally accessing and distributing copyrighted materials, pirates not only harm the artists and copyright holders but also contribute to a culture of disrespect for intellectual property rights.

The Ongoing Battle Against Piracy

While BREIN’s achievements in 2022 are notable, the fight against online piracy is far from over. With advancements in technology, pirates constantly adapt and evolve their methods, making it increasingly challenging for anti-piracy organizations to keep up. In response, BREIN and other similar organizations are continuously adapting their tactics and collaborating closely with content creators and distributors to develop more effective anti-piracy measures.

Encouraging Responsible Streaming and Legal Options

In light of the prevalence of piracy, it is crucial for consumers to understand the importance of responsible streaming and supporting legal options. Unverified IPTV services, apps, websites, or add-ons often lack the necessary licensing, exposing users to legal risks. It is the responsibility of the end-user to ensure they access media through legitimate channels that respect copyright laws.

To that end, legal IPTV providers offer a reliable and safe alternative for streaming. Popular options include:

• fuboTV: A paid legal IPTV provider known for its wide range of channels, particularly popular among sports enthusiasts. The service offers a 7-day free trial for new users.
• Philo: Another solid option, offering entertainment and news channels. Philo also offers a 7-day free trial for new users.
• Pluto TV: A popular free and legal IPTV application featuring live channels and a vast library of movies and TV shows.

By supporting legitimate streaming services, users can enjoy their favorite content while respecting the rights of content creators.

Staying Ahead in the Fight Against Piracy

As the battle against piracy rages on, anti-piracy organizations like BREIN recognize the need to stay ahead of the game. Through continuous adaptation and improvement of tactics, organizations strive to disrupt piracy networks and raise awareness about the negative consequences of piracy. By collaborating with all stakeholders in the entertainment industry, including content creators, distributors, and streaming platforms, it is possible to create a sustainable environment that respects copyright and rewards creativity.

In conclusion, BREIN’s success in taking down over 400 pirate websites and services in 2022 is a significant achievement in the ongoing fight against online piracy. However, it serves as a stark reminder that the fight is far from over, and continued efforts and collaboration are imperative to effectively combat piracy and protect the rights of content creators and copyright holders.

(Note: This article contains information derived from an original report by BREIN. The original report can be accessed on BREIN’s website.)