Court orders ISPs to block Premier League pirate sites in Singapore

Note: This article was first published on 2nd December 2024.

If you’ve been wondering why your favourite “naughty” Premier League streaming websites could not be loaded on your browsers recently, well tough luck it’s only going to get worse.

The Premier League has successfully obtained a court order that requires all Singapore internet service providers to block access to 50 pirate websites and apps that are showing Premier League content – i.e. live matches. This latest ruling, aimed at curbing piracy, targets popular pirate domains often preloaded in Illegal Streaming Devices (ISDs).

This is the latest in a number of important court rulings that help combat piracy in Singapore. We are pleased that the courts and law enforcement authorities continue to recognise the importance of protecting intellectual property rights. While most Premier League fans enjoy watching our games in a safe way, those who use illegal streaming sites, devices and apps are putting themselves at risk of being exploited by cybercriminals, who often use these platforms for illicit activities such as data theft and scams. By blocking these illegal sites, we are not only stopping wider criminality but also helping ensure our fans watch Premier League matches in a safe, high-quality way.
- Premier League General Counsel Kevin Plumb

The order is part of an ongoing effort by the Premier League, which has successfully blocked over 600 pirate domains in Singapore since the 2018/2019 season. Across Asia, the League has also teamed up with local authorities and broadcast partners to crack down on piracy, including the shutdown of thousands of domains in countries like Indonesia, Vietnam, and Malaysia.

The Premier League is also running its annual Boot Out Piracy campaign for the fourth consecutive season here, to help raise awareness among fans of the risks associated with accessing Premier League content illegally. According to a recent study by cybersecurity expert Professor Paul Watters, almost two-thirds of adverts on pirate streaming platforms are classified as high-risk, potentially exposing viewers to malware and scams.

In Singapore, the Premier League continues to work closely with its official broadcast licensee StarHub, as well as local authorities to take action against illegal streaming and help fans recognise the hidden dangers of piracy.

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