Last weekend, the Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), seized multiple domains of a popular live sports streaming site called Streameast.
This operation is a part of their broader initiative to curb privacy in live sports.
However, Streameast operators anticipated such a move and had backup domains ready – its services were back online within just a few hours.
US authorities have seized several domain names of Streameast – a popular live sports streaming service in America with over 15 million monthly visitors. Seized domains include the main site plus several backup domains such as streameast.io and streameast.xyz.
If you visit any of these websites now, instead of the usual content, you’ll find the seizer banner by the Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) with the message “This Domain Has Been Seized.”
Cause of Seizure
Streameast’s disruption is part of a broader initiative by the authorities to curb the growing problem of piracy in live sports events. In recent years, rightsholders of many major sports events have complained about illegal streaming chipping away at their revenue.
They accused the current laws of being inadequate in handling the problem and have called for stricter measures like site blocking.
Now, site blocking is admittedly a rather extreme step. Plus in a country like the US, where free speech and democracy have such prevalence, a step like this might not be taken in the foreseeable future. However, authorities have resorted to seizure and targeted many such websites.
Related: 4 illegal streamers arrested in the UK
What Do Streameast Operators Have to Say about This?
Despite the huge setback, Streameast doesn’t seem to be rattled. Soon after the site was seized, it took to social media and assured its users that its operations would continue. Apparently, the team anticipated a seizure and had planned accordingly.
Moreover, this isn’t the only tweet it shared. The first one addressing the incident was a picture of its seized homepage with a caption “Never give up. Never stop fighting. Never pay for sports. Streameast 2024 and beyond.”
With more than 400 domains at their disposal, the operator quickly switched to different domain names, which include streameast.co, streameast.ec, and others. If you were to do a quick Google search now, several other domains will also pop up.
They also criticized the authorities for trying to stop one of the few legitimate streaming sites and added for its users that it will continue to offer free, high-quality streaming services until it reaches its goal.
What’s the goal, you ask? The goal is to have affordable streaming options for everyone and unless and until that goal is achieved, Streameast isn’t going anywhere – at least that’s what it says and believes.
Does the Timing of the Seizure Hold Any Relevance?
Usually, when the authorities execute their domain seizure operations, it’s because a major sporting event is around the corner. However, the Paris Olympics concluded a couple of weeks ago and the big UFC PPV event that took place last weekend happens every month.
So, it’s hard to put a finger on the exact reason for this particular timing. However, this story looks far from over, so watch this space for further updates.
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