Is 123Movies safe?

123Movies is one of the most popular platforms for free online movie and TV show streaming, offering users free access to a vast library of films and television programmes. Although the original website was shut down in March 2018 due to copyright infringements, many so-called mirror sites are still active online, enticing users with access to content without the need for registration or payment. The popularity of these sites raises questions about their safety and the legality of using them. In this article, we will discuss the potential risks and alternatives to 123Movies.

What is 123Movies?

123Movies, also known as 123movieshub, GoMovies, MeMovies, and GoStream, was one of the largest pirate websites enabling users to watch movies and TV series online for free. The platform, which was created in Vietnam, became accessible in many parts of the world, including the USA, the UK, and EU countries.

In 2018, the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) conducted an extensive investigation into this Vietnamese site, suspected of distributing illegal content. According to Jan van Voorn, Executive Director of the MPAA, 123Movies attracted nearly 98 million active users, making it the most popular site offering illegal content worldwide.

Currently, the original 123Movies is unavailable and no longer operates. Shortly after the MPAA’s investigation concluded, the platform was shut down in cooperation with Vietnamese authorities.

However, the brand was so well-known that other unofficial streaming services began using its name for self-promotion. Today, dozens of mirror sites are available on the internet as its counterparts.

Is 123Movies legal?

This is a matter that depends on the circumstances. While it’s widely known that copyright laws are significant, the degree of illegality in violating these rights depends on the laws in force in a given country or region.

In most countries and regions, websites offering pirated content are considered illegal, and the law prohibits both individuals and organisations from downloading or distributing pirated materials. Nevertheless, in some places, piracy is not strictly enforced, and some countries even allow citizens to use such content.

The following table allows you to check whether a site like 123Movies is legal in your location.

Always Illegal	Legal for Personal Use	No Established Law on This Matter
USA	Netherlands	Colombia
Egypt	Poland	Japan
France	Spain	New Zealand
Australia	Switzerland	Romania
South Korea	Portugal	Brazil
Canada	Marshall Islands	India
Mexico	Somalia

After analysing the table, if it turns out that your country allows the use of 123Movies or other sites with pirated content, and you still have concerns about safety or privacy, read on. We will explain whether using this site is safe in any way.

Is 123Movies safe?

If you need a short answer, then no, neither 123Movies nor its mirror sites are safe. This is mainly because all these services are unofficial and distribute pirated materials. Moreover, such websites are typically laden with numerous cyber threats, ranging from identity and data theft to infected links and pop-up windows with dangerous content.

Many users report that after watching materials on dubious sites like 123Movies, they encountered serious security issues, including malicious files and viruses.

What are the main security issues with sites like 123Movies?

Here are some of the most common threats you may encounter on suspicious streaming sites like 123Movies.

• Malicious ads and pop-ups. Sites similar to 123Movies are filled with advertising content. Beyond being annoying, they can pose a serious threat to your online safety. Clicking on such an ad redirects you to a malicious site, which can result in identity theft, malware distribution, and other risky situations.
  
• Fake links. Coming across an unknown link on a dubious site can be risky. Even if it promises quick riches with one click, it’s better to avoid opening it, as it could be a phishing trap—resulting in data theft or infecting your device with a dangerous virus.
  
• Various malware. Using unofficial streaming platforms can expose your device to infection with spyware, trojans, worms, rootkits, fileless malware, and other dangerous viruses you’d rather avoid. Such malware can reach your device via links, pop-ups, or inadvertently downloaded infected files. Browsing such sites without additional security is therefore a bad idea.

How to stay safe on sites similar to 123Movies?

If you plan to stream on 123Movies sites, there are several steps you can take to protect yourself while enjoying free access to multimedia content. Below are basic precautions worth taking to avoid the risks associated with 123Movies mirrors:

• Use a reliable antivirus programme. Many illegal streaming services emit pop-ups containing malware and viruses. Clicking on such ads can lead to your device being infected. A good antivirus programme offers real-time scanning protection, detecting threats and blocking them before they can cause harm.
  
• Install a VPN. Using a VPN will further secure your connection, protecting against your location or IP address being monitored by malicious entities, advertisers, or internet providers. TuxlerVPN is an excellent choice.
  
• Enable an ad blocker. Ad blockers can improve your browsing experience on 123Movies mirrors and protect your privacy. Most ads use tracking technologies to collect data about your online behaviour, and ad blockers can prevent this. This way, you limit the amount of personal data available to advertisers and block unwanted adware. An ad blocker can also prevent you from accidentally clicking on malicious ads.
  
• Carefully check what you download. On sites like 123Movies, “download now” often appears in ads to encourage users to click while downloading movies. If you’re not vigilant, you can easily open an ad or download something you didn’t intend to. Always make sure the download button is not an advertising banner.
  
• Do not share personal data. Avoid registering and providing personal data on illegal streaming sites or sites that may be scams. Sensitive data can be intercepted and used by malicious individuals for financial fraud, impersonation, creating fake accounts, or social engineering attacks.
  

Attention!

We do not support copyright infringement and will never encourage users to use pirated sites. Our intention is solely to help understand the risks posed by such websites and to point out effective methods of protecting privacy and security. However, we encourage you to carefully consider possible legal consequences before taking any action.

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The best alternatives to 123Movies

To watch movies online legally, safely, and in high quality, it’s worth avoiding 123Movies and its mirrors. Better solutions are legal and trusted alternatives, such as:

• Amazon Prime Vide – A premium platform with thousands of films and series, including original productions, available in HD and 4K quality. It also allows downloading content to watch offline. The subscription costs $12.99 per month, but you can get it for free through BigCashWeb, a platform that allows you to earn Amazon gift cards by completing simple tasks like watching videos or filling out surveys. This way, you can obtain free Amazon Prime membership for two months.
  
• Netflix – The world’s most popular streaming service with a library of films, series, documentaries, and foreign productions. It allows viewing on various devices and downloading content to watch offline. Netflix plans vary in price and the number of screens, with monthly subscription costs ranging from $8.99 to $17.99.
  
• Hulu – A popular streaming service with a diverse selection of films, series, live broadcasts, and sports. It supports many devices and also allows downloading for offline viewing. The basic plan costs $5.99, and prices vary depending on selected ad options and access to live TV.
  
• Disney+ – Offers films and programmes from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, National Geographic, and others, in HD and 4K quality. Supports up to four simultaneous streams and offline downloading. The subscription costs $6.99 per month or $69.99 per year, and there’s also a bundle available with Hulu and ESPN+ for $12.99 per month.
  
• YouTube – The world’s largest video platform, where you can watch films and series for free or pay to rent or purchase. YouTube Premium offers ad-free viewing, offline access, and access to YouTube Music and YouTube Originals for $11.99 per month.

These legal and safe alternatives to 123Movies offer a wide selection of high-quality content. It’s worth remembering that some of these services may be blocked in your region. In such cases, you can use a VPN, which encrypts your connection and hides your IP address, allowing you to bypass geographical restrictions and access content from any country.

Using 123Movies and its mirrors carries many risks. These websites are full of ads, pop-ups, and unknown links, making them highly susceptible to malware and phishing attacks. Legal alternatives can be safer and provide peace of mind when it comes to privacy protection and compliance with the law.

For users who nevertheless decide to take the risk of using illegal sites, a VPN, and solid antivirus software are essential to minimise the risk.

Disclaimer

TuxlerVPN is committed to offering secure, fast, and flexible virtual private network (VPN) solutions that level up your online experience. As a user, you are expected to stick to all applicable laws and regulations when accessing websites. Moreover, engaging in illegal activities while using a VPN is strictly forbidden. You should follow websites’ terms of service when streaming or downloading content. If you engage in unethical activities, kindly do it at your own risk.

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