Is 123movies legal and safe to use? It’s because most people today are no longer using the cable service in which they need to subscribe to the service. Now people simply hit the internet, find the website that provides the streaming service, and voila! They can watch their favorite movies, listen to their favorite music, or even download the newest books that they want to read.
However, you also need to consider some important things. The paid service exists for a reason – they can provide the service because they get something in exchange: money. With the money, they can run the operational cost, buy the license, and such thing alike. The point is that the money they get is used for the operational cost and other things to enable them provide the service.
If the service is completely free, where will they get the money from? Unless they are generous and loaded people with continuous streams of money in their pockets, or they have their own trees that produce money, then they can’t really have a proper operational way or method.
So, where do they get the contents? If they don’t have the money as the operational cost, how can they set up a website? Good question. It’s because they get the contents illegally – meaning that they don’t ask for any permission to use it or they get the pirated contents. The question now: is 123movies legal and safe to use? Let’s delve further about it on the next section, shall we?
Is 123movies Legal and Safe to Use?
Is 123movies Legal and Safe to Use
Is 123movies safe?
Is 123movies safe? and is 123movies legal? In this modern era, there are so many websites providing links or content to their users with the hope that their traffic will be busy and active. One of the major draws that make users interested in the offer of free service – sometimes users don’t have to own an account to download or stream the movies they want. Who doesn’t like free service, anyway?
Well, 123movies has the same principle. They provide access to users and visitors to watch pirated videos and movies. Of course, they won’t charge you for the service – everything is completely free.
You won’t have to deal with the complicated arrangements or difficult processes either. 123movies has its own network with other 12 sites sharing the common domain. Through them, you can find the newest and the latest release contents (usually movies or TV shows) without you having to sign up or have a user account. Among internet users, this website is super popular and appealing.
Now, is 123movies legal and safe to use? Since the site does offer a movie without proper (and legal) licensing, then it would be considered illegal. The websites are often running within countries not having copyright laws.
The problem with 123movies is that they provide copyrighted content, but they provide the link to pirated content and then redirect you to other websites (often the third party types).
Is 123movies Legal?
Is 123movies Legal? No, 123movies is generally considered an illegal streaming site. Here are a few key reasons why:
- Licensing – 123movies hosts pirated content without obtaining proper licenses from the copyright holders. This goes against copyright law in most countries.
- Ads – The site is full of ads, some of which can link to shady or malicious content. This demonstrates that the main objective is profit, with little concern for ethics or safety.
- Streaming vs downloading – While users only stream and don’t download pirated content on 123movies, it is still considered an illegal distribution platform by movie studios and other content owners. Without consent, it takes away licensing revenue.
- No direct uploads – 123movies claims that all media is uploaded by third parties to skirt liability. However, copyright law still does not permit platforms to knowingly facilitate access to illegally hosted content.
So, the lack of proper licensing, rampant ads, rotating domain names, and attempt to shirk responsibility make 123movies a decidedly shady operation. Streaming pirated movies or shows on 123movies violates copyrights and takes revenue away from legitimate streaming platforms and content producers. For these reasons, 123movies occupies murky ethical and legal territory at best. There are safer and more supportive ways to watch movies or television shows online through official services.
Why Did 123movies Shut Down?
Why Did 123movies Shut Down
123movies has been banned in America, and for a good reason! Because of the way they operate, you can say that they are running an illegal operation. Although they may not host those contents within their site, they provide the (pirated) links to those copyrighted contents.
Their basic concept of running a business is shady and illegal. Pirated contents are illegal and watching them can be illegal too. It’s not only the business that would face the legal charges, but also the viewers. If you live in an area where the copyrighted law is strict, then you may violate the law.
But if you live in the area where there is no such a law, consider yourself lucky. But still…. it doesn’t mean that you can get the contents easily.
Not only these websites are illegal, but it is possible that they aren’t safe either. Since they don’t have any regulated policies about their operation and running, don’t expect them to have a solid regulation about users’ protection and internet safety either.
It is possible that they are infiltrated with adware (especially those who are offering free services with the exchange of ads display). Spyware and virus are also common issues in these websites.
So, there is no guarantee that you will have a safe time exploring websites like 123movies. The answer to the question is 123movies legal and safe to use is no – not! Not only this site is illegal, but it doesn’t have any warranty or guarantee that they are also safe either.
Best Sites like 123Movies or 123movies Alternatives (Legal)
If you want to stream or watch your favorite TV shows and movies safely without constantly worrying about violating the law, there are several alternatives sites to 123movies that you can use. Remember, in most cases, these websites aren’t free but they will give you peace of mind of not doing anything illegal.
Remember, users, are also subject to punishable actions so you won’t get away with piracy charges. With these alternative websites or services, you can enjoy great times at home (especially now since you can’t really go out) with a small exchange of spending.
1. Crackle
Crackle
Crackle is a subsidiary part of Sony – yes, THE one and only Sony Pictures Entertainment. It’s no wonder if the contents are coming with bright, bold, and crisp high-quality pictures. You can consider it as an alternative to 123movies. The platform is running free so users won’t have to pay for a thing.
But it is completely legal and totally safe – you will have tons of a great time being here. After all, we are talking about Sony and their quality, so it is reliable and trusted.
The streaming service has a huge library of TV shows and movies so you will never run out of options. The service is also compatible with various devices, like tablets, smartphones, laptops, Roku, Apple TV, and Amazon Fire TV. You can also use Smart TVs, Chromecast, and PlayStation. But keep in mind that this service has ads, which can be annoying for some people. But it’s just a minor flaw that is nothing when compared to the advantages. Have it a try and see how you like it.
2. Amazon Prime Videos
Amazon Prime
If you have Amazon account, why not making use of the streaming service? In case you don’t know it, this is a service offering premium streaming service for its subscribers. They have a huge collection of popular TV shows and movies. Since it is offered by Amazon, you can be sure about the quality of the image.
These movies are legal and legit, and they are coming in high-quality performance only. They also have a vast and expansive collection of movies, so you will never run out of content.
There are some extra features to like about this service. Just like Netflix, they are offering a free trial period which lasts for 30 days. This should be enough to give you ideas whether you like their service or not.
The free period also grants you free shipping period for 2 days. Moreover, the service offers parental control as one of its main features so you can set up limits for your kids. Instead of watching them like a hawk, why not activating this feature so they won’t be able to watch certain types of movies? Moreover, you can always buy or rent the movies that you like if they aren’t available on the catalog. In short, gaining access to this site is quite good and safe – it is totally worth your spending.
3. Hulu
Hulu
In case you have heard something like ‘Hulu Experience’ then we are referring to this service. You need to subscribe to gain access to their collections. They only have 2 main plans: the cheap one is $8 per month with limited commercials. If you don’t want to deal with No Commercial at all, you need to spend $12 per month – not so much difference, eh? But be advised that you still have to deal with ads in No Commercial plan, despite the name. I don’t know why they even bother creating such a thing – although the No Commercial plan has only a few ads when compared to the cheap one.
Both plans enable you to add or have SHOWTIME to your own subscription. There are several things to like about the features, including its ability to stream within different forms of devices.
They have impressive anime collection as well as offering live TV with DVR. The library is huge and is always increasing in numbers, simply because they have always added new content regularly. And it is legal, so there is legal matter concern that will give you a headache.
4. Netflix
NETFLIX
This is one of the legit and valid services to watch your favorite movies online. Unfortunately, they are not offering free service or whatsoever. But when it comes to vast library collections, they have it all. You name it – drama, kids shows, romance, fiction, Sci-Fi, and so much more. If you have access to Netflix, you are getting legal service. The quality of the stream is absolutely perfect. It is flawless and smooth. They are also safe, with one of the best protection systems in the industry.
No need to worry about virus or such thing alike. You won’t have to worry about spyware, adware, and other ware either because you have a full protected right when you subscribe to this service.
Netflix is available all over the world, except for those who have super strict regulations, like China. They also have different subscription packages, from the Basic Plan (the cheapest one) to the Premium one (the most expensive one). However, each area has different movie catalogs. It is possible that subscribers in America, for instance, have a more complete catalog than the subscribers in Malaysia.
Since Netflix is in America, subscribers in America are lucky to enjoy a full and complete extensive collection of movies. But still, with Netflix, you won’t have to worry about any legal matter or about safety protection. By spending a little, you can enjoy a lot of perks. And they offer a trial period that lasts for 30 days. How cool is that! You can definitely enjoy your show for uninterrupted 30 days.
5. Popcornflix
Popcornflix
Unlike 123movies, this site is completely legal. And unlike the other 3 services mentioned before, this one is also free. It has the same concept as Crackle where users can access all the contents for free. And yet, you won’t have to worry about the legal matter or the safety concern. Accessing this site is safe and free – you won’t even have to register if you don’t want to. But just like Crackle, this site also supports ads. But then again, it’s not a big deal, really. The site works together with Frightflix for horror fans and Popcornflixkids for kids viewers.
So, there you have it: the general facts about 123movies and also alternative websites that you can visit. Is 123movies legal and safe to use? You know the answer now.
