Watching 123Movies Safely. Is it legal? A Short Summary
123Movies is a streaming service that allows you to watch free movies and TV shows on your computer. It can be used to watch movies online, but it also has some great features that make it possible to watch movies safely.
However, it is possible that 123Movies may be illegal to watch in your country. We have listed some legal alternatives for those countries where pirating copyrighted material is illegal.
Here are the key points:
- 123Movies may not be accessible in your country due to regional licensing restrictions. It all depends on your country's laws whether or not you could be prosecuted for watching copyrighted content.
- The official 123Movies website went offline in March 2018, with a statement on its homepage saying “respect filmmakers by paying for movies and TV shows." As of 2018, every website is a copy of the original website hosted by others.
- Netflix, Disney Plus, and Amazon Prime are some examples of paid services that provide legal alternatives to 123Movies.
If you are interested in accessing 123movies, please read the following paragraph.
Why Most People Use a VPN for Watching 123Movies?
The need for a VPN when watching 123Movies is becoming more and more apparent. The content on the website is free to watch, and you don’t need any subscription or membership. However, there are many reasons why you should use a VPN to access this site.
The first reason you should use a VPN while watching movies on 123Movies is that the website can only be accessed from certain countries. like the United States, you will be redirected to an error page that says, “This content is not available in your country.”
This happens due to regional restrictions by copyright holders who want to protect their rights over their content and prevent it from being pirated by unauthorized users who would otherwise share it online.
Therefore, if you want to watch access 123Movies without any restrictions, then using a VPN would be a smart choice because it allows you to mask your true location and pretend that you are accessing the site from another country where it is not blocked for some reason.
NordVPN is a popular VPN service with over ten million customers worldwide. It has impressive features and is considered one of the best VPNs for unblocking geo-restricted sites.
Learn more about 123Movies, and discover some of the most popular legal alternatives in the complete article below.
123Movies is a great place to go if you want to watch movies. It has tons of different categories, and each category has a ton of movies in it, so there’s something for everyone. This website was also known under the names “GoStream,” “GoMovies,” and “123movieshub.”
The official website was taken down in 2018, but clones of the 123Movies still exist and are accessible through internet mirrors. Even so, this website is still very popular according to Google Search Trends, showing that these streaming sites are still in high demand.
Many law-enforcement agencies have been monitoring sites and services that allow users to view copyrighted content without paying for it. This raises questions about the legality of streaming movies and shows from 123Movies.
What precautions do people take when using 123Movies? And what alternatives are available?
A Quick Guide to Unblock 123movies
- Subscribe to a reliable VPN (Recommended NordVPN).
- Download and install the VPN app, then connect to a server in the United States.
- Log in to 123movies and enjoy watching your favorite movies and TV shows.
Is it Illegal to use 123Movies?
The answer to this question is that using 123Movies is probably illegal under most circumstances. Experts say that governments in every country and region have different stances on pirating copyrighted content.
Many countries have enacted laws to protect intellectual property by outlawing the downloading and streaming of copyrighted content. However, many countries allow this website for personal use and all together.
Before visiting sites like 123Movies, Popcorn Time, PrimeWire, or Putlocker, you should always ensure your country’s rules regarding copyright infringement and piracy.
There are many different opinions on the subject of piracy.
Privacy & Pirating | Countries |
---|---|
Piracy is allowed and legal | Poland, Switzerland, Spain |
Pirating is illegal | Australia, China, Finland, France, Germany, Great Britain, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Portugal, Russia, South Africa, United States |
Pirating is illegal but individual are not actively prosecuted | Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Colombia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Egypt, Greece, India, Israel, Iran, Mexico, Netherlands, Philippines, Romania, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Uruguay |
Even though some people believe that downloading and streaming copyrighted content are different, it is important to note that there is almost no difference between the two practices.
Streaming is the process of downloading something and watching it in real-time, only for the content to be deleted when you leave that page. However, you still have downloaded the movie or show.
Streaming can be compared to downloading a torrent, then watching it and deleting the file from your computer.
What are the Legal Consequences of using 123Movies?
While some countries prohibit the use of sites like 123movies, others deem them illegal. The consequences of using this site will differ depending on what country you are in when watching your movies and shows.
In some regions, people caught streaming illegal content on this website may get a slap on the wrist. In other regions, they may be prosecuted.
Because it is difficult to predict the punishment one might receive if they are caught using a website such as 123movies, it is advisable to take preventative measures to protect oneself before visiting this site.
Some countries do not actively enforce the rules by prosecuting people who use illegal streaming services. When authorities find obscene or violent content online, they tend to focus on the distributors rather than the individual viewers.
However, living in a country that actively enforces copyright laws, you could receive a substantial fine for infringing on someone else’s copyright.
How to Watch 123Movies in a Safe And Secure Way?
You can watch 123Movies safely and securely by using a VPN like NordVPN or ExpressVPN. A Virtual Private Network (VPN) is a network of servers that allows you to connect to the Internet with privacy and anonymity.
With a VPN, you can access restricted websites like 123Movies and protect your online identity from hackers and snoopers who try to steal your data.
Connecting through a VPN server outside your country allows you to access content from anywhere in the world.
This also means that no one will know what sites you are visiting or what data you are transferring.
When you use a reliable VPN, you can rest assured that your data and identity are protected from cybercriminals.
A VPN will encrypt your data, keeping it safe from prying eyes while also hiding your real IP address so that no one can access your computer or device.
Is it Really Dangerous to Use 123Movies?
As we have already discussed, whether or not you are permitted to watch movies on the site like 123Movies. However, TechNinjaPro has not gone into possible security risks when using such a website apart from the heavy fines you can get.
When you look at the safety of a website like 123Movies, it is difficult to give your opinion, such as yes or no, to the questions, is it safe & secure? This completely depends on various factors, most of which are controlled by the user hosting the site.
However, it may not be as safe as you think. Hackers often use the site to spread viruses and malware. The most common way that hackers use 123Movies is by uploading fake files that contain malicious software.
If you download one of these files, your computer will become infected with malware which can steal your information or lock up your device so that you cannot use it anymore.
Another way that hackers use 123Movies is by creating fake accounts on the site themselves. Then they post links to their own sites on the site’s forums and ask people to sign up via their account link so they can get paid for referrals (this is called spamming).
This makes it seem like 123Movies has endorsed their website when it hasn’t done anything at all!
Because the official website of 123Movies is no longer online, the only way to access its database is through copies of the site, also known as “MIRRORS”. These sites are hosted and controlled by a third party that did not participate in the original 123Movies website.
Because of this, there is no way to guarantee the safety or quality of an illegal copy. The owner of an illegal copy can inject the site with malware or may track some of your data.
The fact that so many copies exist makes it impossible to determine whether or not all of these mirrors are safe. As a matter of fact, some of the mirrors are safe, and some aren’t.
The only way to ensure you are safe from the 123Movies pop-up ads is to take advantage of a VPN or an antivirus program.
Be Aware of Mirrors
As TechNinjaPro has mentioned above, the official website for 123Movies is no longer available.
Therefore, all websites you see with the 123Movies on its address or resembling the official website are probably copy/mirror sites.
The downside is that websites can be owned by malicious actors who use them for harmful purposes, for example, to spread malware.
The issue with these websites is that they can reopen under another name even if they have been closed by authorities.
Can a VPN Really Secure My Connections On 123Movies?
Due to the potential risks, it is crucial that you have a safe and smooth experience when using 123Movies.
You should take the appropriate safety measures to protect your network and device from intrusions. And yes, VPNs are the most efficient way to protect your connections and remain private while streaming content on 123Movies.
The VPNs TechNinjaPro listed in the next section has been selected because of their high level of security and anonymity.
These programs have 256-bit encryption, which helps prevent third parties from snooping on your internet activities or stealing your data. Access to your information is restricted, so even if someone manages to gain access, the data will still be unreadable.
Furthermore, some VPN providers like NordVPN provide an ad blocker, so you can watch 123Movies without being interrupted by annoying pop-ups. Additionally, they block malware to protect your device.
Another important feature of a virtual private network is the kill switch, which cuts your internet traffic if the connection to the VPN drops. This keeps you safe from data leakage. The security features available when using 123Movies and similar sites will protect you from potential harm.
Besides safeguarding your online privacy, a VPN can also help you in a variety of ways. For example, you can use a VPN service to regional bypass restrictions and view content that might not be available in your region.
Best VPNs for 123Movies
123Movies is one of the most popular streaming sites for movies, tv-series, and anime. The site has a large collection of movies and tv shows to stream.
However, it is geo-restricted and only available in a few countries. You need to use a VPN service provider to unblock 123Movies and watch it from anywhere worldwide.
Here TechNinjaPro has listed some of the best VPN services that let you unblock 123Movies from anywhere in the world:
1. NordVPN
Specifications
- Offers more than 5000 servers in around 60 countries.
- Zero-logging policy
- Offers P2P friendly servers
- AES 256-bit encryption
- Kill switch feature
- Web Protection
- MultiHop Mode
- Connect up to 6 devices simultaneously with one subscription.
- 30-day money-back guarantee
NordVPN is an excellent choice for internet users who want to keep themselves safe and secure while watching movies on 123Movies.
This VPN provides a wide range of features, including several advanced security protocols, strong encryption, and a kill switch.
The software also includes a DNS leak protection feature, which ensures that all your data stays within the encrypted tunnel.
The NordVPN apps are available for Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android devices. An easy-to-use Chrome extension is available for those who want to protect their browsers while they’re online.
The company operates over 5000 servers in more than 60 countries worldwide. These servers are all optimized for fast connection speeds, so you can access your favorite websites quickly without any lag time or buffering issues getting in the way.
NordVPN’s CyberSec features device-level ad blocking, preventing intrusive ads and malicious malware from installing on your system. This will enhance your streaming experience on mirror websites filled with ads.
Additionally, the double VPN feature enables you to connect through two servers instead of one. This adds an extra layer of security, although your connection speed may decrease slightly.
Benefits
- Powerful security and privacy features
- Broad network of servers
- Excellent customer support
- Fast speeds
Drawbacks
- Cramped User interface on Desktop app.
2. ExpressVPN
Specifications
- Anonymous Browsing
- 24/7 Live Chat Support
- Masks IP addresses
- TrustedServer Technology
- Split Tunneling
- Offers a kill switch feature
- Connects up to 5 devices simultaneously
- Unlimited Bandwidth
- No activity logs
ExpressVPN is a VPN service with a perfect blend of speed and security. ExpressVPN has more than 2000 servers in 94 countries, making it one of the best VPNs available.
ExpressVPN uses OpenVPN protocol as its default encryption protocol and AES 256 encryption for securing your internet connection. They also offer L2TP/IPSec and PPTP protocols for those who want to use them.
ExpressVPN supports all major platforms and devices like Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, etc. They also provide a dedicated Android TV app to watch Netflix US and other channels on your Android TV box without any problem.
And if you have any issues with your connection or want support with setting up ExpressVPN on your device, their customer service team is available 24/7 via email, chat, and phone.
ExpressVPN makes it easy to get started: all you need is an account and a subscription plan (you can pay monthly or annually), then download the app on your computer, phone, or tablet and follow their step-by-step instructions for setup!
ExpressVPN offers a 30-day money-back guarantee on all plans, giving you time to test the service risk-free.
Benefits
- 24/7 live chat support
- Powerful security and privacy features
- Super-fast speeds
- Unblock popular websites like Netflix
- 5 simultaneous device connections
Drawbacks
- A bit expensive than other VPNs
3. Surfshark VPN
Specifications
- More than 3500 servers in across 65 countries
- Support P2P sharing
- Supports split tunneling
- AES 256-bit encryption
- Automatic kill switch
- Boasts MultiHop Mode
- Allows unlimited simultaneous devices
- 30-day money-back guarantee
Surfshark VPN is a free, unlimited, and secure VPN service. It is the world’s fastest, budget-friendly, and most reliable VPN. Surfshark provides its users with a high-speed VPN connection and access to the internet from anywhere in the world.
Surfshark offers over 3500 servers in 50 countries worldwide, including the United States, Canada, Europe, Asia, and Australia. The Surfshark VPN client is available for Windows, Android, and macOS operating systems.
Unblock sites like Facebook, YouTube, Netflix, and Hulu at work, school, or anywhere you want to be anonymous and secure.
Surfshark has a strict no logging policy, which means it does not keep any logs of your activity or information about you or your internet usage while using its service.
This means that they do not store or collect any data about what websites you visit, what content you access online, or even when you use their service to stream videos online – all of which makes them one of the best options for users looking for privacy online when browsing at home or abroad!
The kill switch feature disconnects your VPN if it drops, ensuring your privacy is maintained. Additionally, the CleanWeb suite blocks ads and malware to improve your security.
Furthermore, the Camouflage mode will enable you to bypass restrictions in countries that ban VPN usage, like China.
Also known as obfuscation, this technology will make your VPN connection appear normal under deep packet inspection (DPI).
In addition, unlimited data and fast-speed servers will give you a buffer-free streaming experience.
Benefits
- Budget-friendly subscription plans
- Powerful and secure encryption
- Effective adblocker
Drawbacks
- Some servers are a bit slow
Is 123Movies Safe and Secure for Downloaders?
123Movies is not permitted in many regions. However, it is still available in some areas, so you should take appropriate security measures if you live in one of those areas. This is how to do it.
Use a reliable VPN like NordVPN. NordVPN ensures you can access the right 123Movies mirror or search for 123Movies mirrors on your internet browser.
However, Google does not always show website clones, so you need to find a website with a list of 123Movie clones.
Legal Alternatives of 123Movies
123Movies is a website that provides access to streaming movies, TV shows, and documentaries. However, 123Movies has been facing legal troubles lately as several copyright holders have accused the site of copyright infringement.
Some companies that have filed lawsuits against 123Movies include Disney, Warner Bros., Paramount Pictures, NBCUniversal, and 20th Century Fox.
To get around this issue, you can use one of the legal alternatives listed below:
- Pluto TV: This streaming site offers subscribers access to a wide range of films, television shows, sports events, and news coverage.
- Tubi: The Tubi streaming service offers thousands of movies, including classics, action films, and horror films.
- Hoopla: The library streaming service is a great alternative to 123movies, with a range of shows and movies from which to choose.
- Roku TV: Hoopla is a streaming service that provides access to movies, TV shows, music, and audiobooks. However, it can only be used on the Roku platform.
- Kanopy: Similarly to Hoopla, you will need a library card to access content on this site, which offers more popular movies than Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, and Netflix.
- Locast: This is a good alternative to 123movies if you want to watch local content such as news, sports, and other programs.
- IMDb TV: This streaming service offers a small collection of movies, but the quality and popularity of those movies earned it a spot on this list.
FAQs
It is not illegal to stream movies on 123Movies. However, you should be aware that some of the content on the site may be illegal in your region.
123Movies does not host any of its own content, so all of it is being streamed to you from third-party sources. Because of this, some streams can be blocked by your internet service provider (ISP), which means that you may not be able to access them.
If you are trying to watch a movie that doesn't load or keeps buffering, try turning off your VPN and then turning it back on again.
Yes, there are legal alternatives to 123Movies. Many websites offer free streaming of movies and TV shows. These include Pluto TV, Tubi TV, Locast, IMDb TV, Hoopla, and Roku TV.
The 123Movies official website is no longer in operation. The government has shut down the movie streaming site due to copyright infringement.
Before the shutdown, the site was a popular destination for users looking for free movies online. However, it was also often used by pirates who watched copyrighted content without paying for it.
In response, various movie studios and distributors filed lawsuits against 123Movies. They claimed the site was selling access to copyrighted material and profiting from it.
In addition, they stated that it infringed on their copyrights by hosting links to other websites where pirated content could be accessed.
As a result of these actions, 123Movies was forced to shut down its official website in order to avoid further legal action against them.
Yes, you can. 123Movies is an illegal streaming site that streams movies and TV shows for free. It is a good alternative to Netflix and Hulu. You can use a free VPN to access 123Movies from anywhere worldwide.
Many free VPNs are available on the market, but you should use a reliable one if you want to enjoy your favorite content on 123Movies.
Conclusion
By 2022 will you be concerned about your online pirate habits?
No! Remember: What you do online is not anonymous. Make sure your VPN can hide any illegal activities.
The public does not share your point of view about streaming, as it is still illegal in all states. Ensure the VPN can protect and hide your activity from anyone behind your government or ISP.