Records on May 7 show that many online football broadcasting websites are still accessible and are broadcasting many football matches as well as other sports events. Some sites change addresses continuously or use many backup domain names to maintain operation and avoid being blocked from access.
These platforms mainly broadcast free of charge major international football tournaments such as the English Premier League, Champions League, La Liga or Serie A that have not been licensed for copyright in Vietnam. Interspersed in the broadcasting process are many betting advertisements, online gambling or links that may contain malware.
Meanwhile, some other illegal football websites have also stopped operating and cannot be accessed. Some domain names display server error messages or stop providing services.
Previously, the Prime Minister issued Official Dispatch No. 38/CD-TTg requesting ministries, branches and functional forces to launch a peak period of fighting, preventing and handling acts of intellectual property rights infringement nationwide from May 7 to May 30.
According to the direction, the Ministry of Public Security is assigned to take the lead in verifying, investigating and cracking down on online copyright infringement websites with large traffic, especially platforms providing pirated movies, music, electronic games and television programs in Vietnamese or foreign languages.
The situation of copyright infringement of football broadcasting in Vietnam has been going on for many years and caused great damage to copyright holders. Although functional agencies and network operators have applied many technical measures to block access, many websites are still quickly returning under new domain names.
Network security experts also warn that users accessing illegal football websites are at risk of personal data being stolen, malware infected, or incited to participate in illegal online betting activities.
