United States Law

In the US copyright law is protected by the Digital Millennium Copyright Act DMCA Just watching shows without saving them might seem safer than sharing them But it could still be seen as showing it to the public or copying it in some cases Internet companies often send warnings or slow down your internet if they see you using unofficial viewing sites People who keep breaking the rules might have their internet cut off or in rare important cases face legal action

Usually the focus is on those sharing illegal content But users who watch it are in a unclear legal area where they could face some less common consequences

European Union Law

EU law especially after a 2017 decision by the European Court of Justice CJEU is stricter This decision made it clear that knowingly watching copyrighted shows from an unapproved source breaks copyright rules This is true even if you don't save a copy Laws in EU countries differ in how they are enforced Some