If you like streaming movies online, then no doubt you have tried out the 123Movies streaming site. However, is 123 movies safe?
123Movies had gained popularity until 2018, when they experienced copyright issues and were flagged down due to piracy laws. Even so, the site resurfaced in 2022 through its various clone sites that offer free streaming services in specific locations.
Since the free streaming service is geo-restricted to certain locations, the clone sites offer relief to users who claim the services of the original 123 movies. However, these free streaming websites are built on malicious codes and features with malware and viruses that can damage your device, thus terming 123movies unsafe.
Therefore, it is best to connect to a reliable virtual private network before you log into the 123 movies website to avoid viruses or malicious malware.
Is 123movies illegal?
You may be wondering why you need to log into a VPN first before accessing 123Movies, is 123movies safe? Unfortunately, there is no exact answer to this question as 123movies is considered legal or illegal in different jurisdictions.
For instance, other countries have laws prohibiting downloading copyrighted content, but others do not. So, it could be safe or not, depending on your jurisdiction.
It is best to check your country’s rules on copyright before accessing sites like 123Movies. Whether you download or stream copyrighted content, it’s the same thing; therefore, the consequences are equal.
For instance, when you stream content, it means it has been downloaded ad watched in real time but deleted afterward. The same case applies to downloading content and then deleting it afterward.
It is dangerous in prohibited countries since you can be tracked using your IP address in both cases. In this case, some people in countries prohibiting access to 123Movies opt for using VPN services to conceal their identity and evade the consequences.
Stance On Piracy Around The World
As discussed earlier, different countries have different legislations concerning piracy. Therefore, this article breaks down the countries and levels of piracy, allowing you to understand better if you fall into those jurisdictions.
For instance,
Pirating is permitted but for personal use in Switzerland, Spain and Poland.
Pirating is not permitted in the US, South Africa, Portugal, Japan, China, Latvia, Finland, Great Britain, Germany, France, Finland, and Australia. Italy and Russia.
Pirating is not permitted, but people found in the offense are not actively prosecuted in countries such as Uruguay, Slovakia, Slovenia, Philippines, Netherlands, Israel, Denmark, Colombia, Canada, Argentina, Brazil, Greece, India, Mexico, Romania, Egypt, Czech Republic, and Iran.
Even so, you should check your country’s pirating laws as laws can change quickly. Unfortunately, this article does not give legal procedures on how you should tackle pirating issues n your area of jurisdiction.
Why Should You Use A VPN While Accessing 123Movies?
A VPN is the safest internet service provider that gives you access to free streaming websites nowadays. When you connect to a VPN service before reaching a site, your IP address is concealed, and your online traffic is encrypted. That grants you enough privacy and security when accessing illegal streaming sites such as 123 movies or alternatives.
Though it is not advisable, you can use a VPN in a place with geo-restrictions on accessing 123movies, as your IP will still be concealed. There are many VPNs, but the best three are ExpressVPN, CyberGhost, and IPVanish.
1. ExpressVPN
Image source: technadu.com
ExpressVPN can unblock geo-restricted content in any location with its security features to provide protection when you visit free streaming websites. It also offers a 30-day money-back guarantee upon purchase, so you can try it risk-free.
ExpressVPN also uses military-grade AES encryption that prevents third parties from viewing your data even if they intercept it. It also has additional features such as a kill switch which helps prevent downloads from being traced back to your location in case of VPN failure. For example, you will still be protected if you download a file accidentally.
The kill switches operate by disconnecting your internet if the VPN is disconnected. Your real location can never be revealed to your internet service provider or anyone watching.
Pros
- It offers a 30-day money-back guarantee
- The VPN loads faster in all server locations.
- It can connect to more than 90 countries.
- It has a no logs policy- it does not allow user data collection.
- It offers 5 simultaneous device connections.
- It provides great security and privacy on the app and servers.
- You get to enjoy 24/7 live chat support with customer care.
- It can work on the US’s most popular streaming sites, such as Netflix.
- It offers a good value for your money with its high-quality features.
Cons
- It is quite pricy than other VPNs.
2. CyberGhost VPN
Image source: cyberghostvpn.com
To avoid being caught streaming illegal content online, you can try using the CyberGhost VPN. The VPN has over 8000 servers worldwide and allows a connection of up to 7 devices simultaneously. So enjoy watching movies at high internet speeds without worrying about freezing or lag.
CyberGhost has a cyberlocker feature that gives you freedom while accessing the internet, so you don’t have to compromise your experience. You can now stream movies without the annoying pop-ups with malicious links that may have malware and viruses.
The VPN also has military-grade encryption, with no logs and a split tunneling feature to run tested apps outside it while it’s running. The feature plays a ke role in protecting your database until you gain a secure connection while you have lost connection and don’t have access to the previously running apps that were in sync with the VPN
Cyberghost VPN trial is free due to its 45-day money-back guarantee.
Pros
- It requires no logging policy to access it, so it does not allow for user data collection.
- It has a large Server size that can cover up to 92 countries.
- It offers a 45-day money-back guarantee making it a good value for your money.
- It has high streaming speeds.
- Its high speeds enable torrenting.
- One subscription connects up to 7 devices..
- It works on all devices, including Android, Linux, Windows, and more.
- It has great security and privacy features.
Cons
- It has a slower distance speed than the other two.
- It does not offer good streaming services in geo-restricted areas.
3. IPVanish VPN
Image source: support.ipvanish.com
IPVanish is a VPN with over 2000 servers worldwide. The platform has unlimited bandwidth, zero traffic logs, and unlimited server switching. It is similar to ExpressVPN and CyberGhost, offering military-grade encryption and a kill switch. In addition, the app is very easy to navigate since there are no logs and prompts to click links.
The IPVanish VPN secures your data from third parties. If you are a first-time user, you will get an optional tutorial to help you navigate around the app easily. You also enjoy the 24/7 customer support, especially when you need help getting started or want to link your VPN to a new device.
You can also try it as it offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can watch free movies on sites such as 123movies without committing yourself.
Pros
- It has a 30-day money-back guarantee.
- It has a large server that gives access to over 25K IP addresses.
- It works with many streaming services, including Netflix, 123Movies, and more.
- It offers unlimited connections to areas with licenses.
- It has a zero log policy keeping your user data safe.
- It is a great VPN for torrenting.
Cons
- It lacks a reliable customer support system.
- Does not work on the Linux App.
- It is based in the USA only.
Are There Any Legal Consequences of Using 123Movies?
Different countries take different reactions to people found using illegal streaming sites. For instance, you can be fined or jailed if you are found downloading copyrighted content in Germany. In other countries, the consequence can be a warning, making t hard o prosecute free streaming services like 123Movies.
Furthermore, most people clear out their history after accessing these sites, making it harder to prosecute without evidence. The only way to catch up with people streaming through an illegal service is by tracing their IP addresses and catching them in real-time.
In some countries, the law does not prosecute people who download and watch the copyrighted content but rather the people who distribute the content.
How To Access 123Movies
As discussed earlier, accessing 123 movies in different jurisdictions is legal. Even so, taking precautions while accessing the site is important to stay safe. If you want to access 123Movies safely,
- Use the best VPN services and good antivirus software.
- You need to google the official sites or a reliable 123Movies mirror by specifically selecting the exact word on the search bar.
What Are The Legal Alternatives To 123movies?
If you want to watch movies without using 123movies, you’ll be glad to know that many legal sites offer free streaming services. These legal alternatives are safer, ensure you adhere to pirating laws and prevent you from being exposed to malware. Below are a few options to try out:
Roku Channel: Roku channel allows streaming when logged into the Roku browser or streaming devices. The channel is best if you are interested in finding ’90s classics.
Pluto TV: This free streaming website allows you to pocket your TV subscription fees by offering you more than 100 free channels in sports, entertainment, and news.
Tubi: Tubi is a free streaming service that offers you a pool of options to choose from. It has over 19000 movies and tv shows in its library but specializes in films such as horror and action. However, you can also find some old classics that are entertaining.
Hoopla: Hoopla is a free streaming service that, unlike the rest, does require a streaming library card for access. The card grants you access to watch popular movies and shows. Currently, the site is a competition with most paid platforms as it offers some popular shows they do.
Locast-If you want to save money by subscribing to local channels, then you should try out the Locast free streaming site. The site gives you value for your money y grants you the access to watch all your local channels from the comfort of your home. So scroll down to your preference and enjoy.
IMDb TV-IMDb TV has a small list compared to other legal alternatives on this list. The site has about 340 movies and TV series, but you can always find something to suit you.
Kanopy-Browsing through Kanopy may be free, but you need a library card for better access. Nevertheless, it is worth using Kanpy as it grants access to the top 250 films on IMDb TV than paid streaming sites such as Netflix, Prime Video, or Hulu.
Amazon Prime Video: Amazon prime video has a lesser database of movies than Netflix, but you can still find the show you are looking for. In addition, it is way cheaper compared to other paid streaming services.
Youtube TV: Youtube Tv is quite expensive since you have to be connected to the internet to access it. However, the streaming site may be different from others; it gives you access to other TV networks such as Fox, Abc, ESPN, and CBS. You can also watch previous recordings of other shows and get the shows from the comfort of your phone.
It is worth noting that the above alternatives may be available to specific parts of the world, mostly the United States. However, if you are not around the jurisdiction and want to know how to get movies and TV shows online, you will need to use quality VPN providers to change your virtual location.
Also, it would be best if you understood that the purpose of this article is to inform you that since we are not legal officers, it is impossible to offer legal advice here. Furthermore, the laws of a state can change quickly, so it is important to seek legal advice from your local law to ensure to adhere to the rules of the land before you access these sites.
Can 123movies cause harm to my computer?
Since there are many clone sites of 123movies, there is a possibility that you can land on one that may carry viruses and malware. When these viruses enter your computer, they can corrupt it through pop-ups that lead to malicious links. That is why we are stressing about using a VPN anytime you access the 123movis site.
