ILLEGAL STREAMERS LED ‘UPSTREAM’ IN THIS WEEKEND’S BIG GAME

BeStreamWise will redirect fans looking for an illegal stream for the Tottenham Hotspurs vs Arsenal match this weekend to protect them from the dangers of digital piracy. 

September 2024: Football fans hunting for an illegal stream on social media to watch this weekend's Spurs v Arsenal game will be redirected to live footage of a local stream instead. 

BeStreamWise will redirect consumers searching for illegal streams of the game this weekend to protect them from the dangers of digital piracy. The initiative has been arranged for the high profile north London derby, renowned for being one of the highest scoring games in the top division and famous for the long-standing rivalry between its clubs.

Highlighting the risks of illegal streaming, which include identity theft, fraud, viruses and dangerous malware, BeStreamWise will target those looking to watch the game illegally for free via X and Reddit.

Those who click on the link will find that instead of watching one of the most exciting clashes in this year’s football calendar, they will instead see a gentle brook babbling its way past the camera lens. 

BeStreamWise is a cross-body initiative which raises awareness of the personal dangers of illegal streaming platforms and helps viewers find better ways to enjoy their favourite content. It is supported by organisations across the film, TV, and sports industries, including FACT, the Intellectual Property Office (IPO), Crimestoppers, British Association for Screen Entertainment (BASE), Sky, Premier League, and ITV.

Kieron Sharp, CEO of FACT, commented “Illegal streaming not only undermines the hard work of content creators and rights holders but also exposes viewers to significant risks such as identity theft, fraud, and malware. 

By choosing legal streaming options, fans can show their true support for their team. Through this innovative campaign, BeStreamWise aims to protect fans and educate them on the dangers of digital piracy. We want to ensure that everyone can enjoy the excitement of the Spurs vs Arsenal match safely and legally.”

Matt Hibbert, Group Director of Anti-Piracy at Sky, added "Illegal streaming poses a serious threat and can expose consumers to identity theft, fraud, and malicious software. This campaign protects fans by redirecting them away from malicious streaming sites, highlighting the dangers of clicking unknown links and educating consumers on the risks involved in digital piracy.

Through our collaboration with BeStreamWise, we want to ensure that football fans continue to enjoy the sport they love without compromising their personal security.”

Miles Rees, Deputy Director of Enforcement at The Intellectual Property Office’s said:
“Piracy is anything but a victimless crime. It has clear links to other harmful activities and materials online, actively sustaining serious and organised crime networks while diverting funds away from the sporting occasions we all enjoy.  
“The UK Intellectual Property Office is pleased to support this innovative campaign, which takes an original approach to reminding sports fans of the real risks to themselves and their families every time they try to access pirated content. We continue to work with our partners to raise awareness of these dangers, helping disrupt criminal networks and empowering consumers to make informed choices”.

For those looking to enjoy the game safely, fans can purchase a NOW TV Day Membership, enabling them to tune into the match and other NOW TV content over a 24-hour period.