In the age of digital streaming, many people turn to free websites like 123 Movies to access the latest movies and TV shows. However, while the appeal of free content is undeniable, using such sites comes with significant risks. In this article, we’ll explore whether 123 Movies is safe to use, the legal and security dangers it poses, and some legitimate alternatives to enjoy your favourite media without worry. Let’s dive into why 123 Movies might not be worth the risk.
What Is 123 movies?
123 Movies is a pirated online movie-watching website where anyone can watch their favorite web series or movies for free of cost. The original 123 Movies website is not available at the moment for safety and security reasons. The Motion Pictures Association of America has called 123 Movies the most popular illegal site in March 2018, leading to the disappearance of the website from the internet. However, there are multiple clone websites like 123 movies available on the web where users can still watch movies and web series at free of cost.
But the question lies, if whether 123Movies is safe to watch or not. If it is not safe, then what are the possible alternatives to 123Movies?
Who Is The Founder of 123 movies?
The true identity of the person or team behind 123Movies has always been a mystery. Given the site’s involvement in illegal activities like piracy, those responsible likely stayed in the shadows to avoid legal trouble. What is known is that the platform operated out of Vietnam, and though no official names were ever revealed, international authorities, including the U.S. government, pushed for action against the site.
123 movies Company Details
Origin: Vietnam
Service Type: It provided free streaming access to a vast library of movies and TV shows, many of them newly released and still under copyright protection.
Status: The original site was shut down in March 2018 after mounting legal pressure, but copycat sites continue to pop up, keeping its legacy alive.
Legal Pressure and Shutdown
123Movies didn’t just catch the eye of casual moviegoers looking for free content; it was also firmly on the radar of law enforcement and the film industry. The Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) listed it as one of the world’s most notorious piracy websites. The tipping point came in 2018, when the U.S. government, in collaboration with Vietnamese authorities, finally managed to close the site down. However, as with many things online, this wasn’t the end. Clone sites bearing the 123Movies name, or slight variations of it, quickly sprang up, offering similar services.
How 123Movies Made Money?
Despite offering free access to movies and TV shows, 123Movies wasn’t running as a charity. It earned revenue primarily through ads—often shady or invasive ones—that appeared on the site. Some speculate that there may have been user donations as well, though nothing was ever confirmed. Since 123Movies operated illegally, we’ll likely never know how much money it made or the full details of its financial operations.
Even though the original 123Movies no longer exists, its presence lingers on in the form of clones and mirror sites. These sites continue to operate under different names, driven by the same demand for free content, despite the legal risks and challenges they face.
123 movies HTTPs Check
If you visit any clone websites like 123Movies, you will surely find such websites with SSL certificates. Getting an SSL certificate is not a daunting task today, especially when anyone can get one for free from their hosting server provider.
If we only look at the SSL certificate as the safety parameter, then all the websites, including the adult websites on the internet, would be safe. But this is not the case. Further and deep investigation should be done to find out if 123Movies is safe to use or not?
To further check the safety of 123 Movies website, I have used URL void tool that checks the reputation of the overall domain. Here’s the report.
Conclusion: 123 Movies is not safe to use.
123 movies Contact Information Check
On most pirated or clone movie websites like 123Movies, you’ll not find any contact information, customer support solutions, company details, social media icons or any such information that highlights the address, founder name or company information of such websites. This is done to prevent their personal information from being hidden from the public.
The webmasters of such websites clearly know from the beginning they are creating an illegal website. So, from the beginning, they hide all such relevant information about themselves and the company.
Conclusion: 123 Movies is not safe to use.
123 movies Company Profile Check
The true founders or the people behind 123Movies are still a mystery. Since the site was operating illegally, those involved have chosen to keep their identities hidden. However, a few key details about how the site ran have surfaced.
It’s believed that 123Movies started in Vietnam. Eventually, law enforcement there took action against those behind the website. In 2018, the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) called 123Movies “the most popular illegal site in the world,” highlighting how much it affected the film and TV industries. Facing mounting legal pressure, the Vietnamese government worked with international authorities to take down the site.
Conclusion: 123 Movies is not safe to use.
123 movies Domain Name Intent
The domain name intent of 123Movies is very clear. It is indicated to be a movie-based website. However, the domain name intent alone cannot determine the safety of 123Movies. One needs to thoroughly check the website before streaming or consuming any content on it. This investigation can be done by checking the overall design and quality of the website, contact information, and privacy policy. You can also check if 123Movies is safe or not using online tools like Norton Safe Web that will help you to determine the safety of 123Movies.
Here’s an example.
Conclusion: 123 Movies is not safe to use.
123 movies Privacy Policy
Visit any 123Movies website or its clone, you won’t find a legit privacy policy, cookies data, about us details or contact information. That’s because such websites are created solely to make money, scamming users with phishing attacks and more.
Conclusion: No privacy policy was found, which means that 123 Movies is not safe to use.
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123 movies Website Design
The overall design, look and feel of 123Movies and its clone website look neat and clean. However, once you start using such websites, you will be redirected multiple times to phishing and scammy websites where you might be asked to install a plugin or Chrome extension. In some cases, some files might also get downloaded on your PC or laptop while using such sites.
Here’s a website that I was redirected to when browsing 123Movies.
It looks like a scam and phishing attack to me.
Conclusion: 123 Movies is not safe to use.
123 movies Reputation
123Movies, along with its various clone websites, has faced considerable scrutiny and controversy since it first appeared on the internet. The platform’s reputation among legal entities, filmmakers, and content creators has been especially poor due to its involvement in distributing pirated movies and TV shows. Over the years, this has led to numerous legal battles and growing concerns about copyright violations.
The site’s troubles escalated in 2017 when TorrentFreak reported that Ted Osius, the U.S. ambassador to Vietnam at the time, was actively working with the Vietnamese government to shut down illegal streaming platforms operating from within the country. Specifically, 123Movies was named as a major offender. Osius had meetings with Truong Minh Tuan, the Vietnamese Minister of Information and Communications, where the two discussed the detrimental effects of such websites on both the movie industry and the broader issue of intellectual property rights.
Conclusion: 123 Movies is not safe to use.
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Factors That You Should Take Into Consideration To Determine The Safety Of 123 Movies
When thinking about whether 123Movies or similar streaming sites are safe to use, there are some key things you should consider. While the idea of free movies and TV shows may sound great, these sites come with serious risks that can affect your security, privacy, and even your wallet.
1. Legal Risks
Sites like 123Movies offer pirated content, which means watching or downloading from them is illegal in many countries. You could face fines, legal trouble, or even lawsuits if you’re caught using these sites, depending on where you live.
Authorities often target these sites, and in some cases, people who use them can also come under scrutiny. Your IP address could be tracked, making it easier for law enforcement to know if you’ve visited illegal streaming platforms.
2. Risk of Malware and Viruses
These sites are often loaded with ads and pop-ups, which can be dangerous. One wrong click could lead to your device being infected with malware, viruses, or spyware that can harm your computer or steal your data.
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Some of the files you access may look like the movies or TV shows you want, but they could instead be malicious downloads that compromise your device’s security.
3. Privacy Concerns
Many illegal streaming sites track your browsing habits or steal your personal information, which they could sell to third parties without you knowing. Since these sites operate outside the law, there’s no way to be sure they aren’t taking advantage of you.
If you’re determined to use these sites, using a VPN can hide your location and protect your identity. However, even with a VPN, you’re still at risk of malware, data breaches, or legal consequences.
4. No Moderation or Safety Checks
Unlike legal platforms, these sites don’t have any safeguards in place to ensure the content is what it says it is. Sometimes, you’ll download something labeled as a movie, but it turns out to be a virus or a scam.
I have run a malware scam check on one of the clone websites of 123Movies.
Here’s what I found.
Legitimate sites have customer service or help lines if you run into issues. With piracy sites like 123Movies, you’re on your own. There’s no one to help if your device gets infected or if your personal data is stolen.
5. Financial Scams
Some of these sites may ask for your payment details, claiming you need to subscribe or create an account to access “premium” content. In reality, this can lead to identity theft or unauthorized charges.
Be wary of any “premium” services offered by piracy sites, as they often just want your credit card information.
6. Device Performance Issues
These sites are often packed with ads and harmful software running in the background, which can slow down your computer or phone and cause it to freeze or crash.
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Some Alternatives Of 123 Movies
If you’re looking for alternatives to 123Movies for streaming movies and TV shows, there are several options, both legal and pirated, that can meet your needs:
Popcorn Time: A popular streaming tool that allows users to watch movies and TV shows via torrents. It’s free to use, but users should be cautious, as it may not be entirely legal in some regions due to pirated content.
Putlocker: Though it has faced legal issues and is often shut down, Putlocker remains a popular choice for free streaming. Some versions of it still work, providing access to movies and TV shows without the need for an account.
Crackle: A free, legal alternative that offers movies, TV shows, and original content. It’s ad-supported, but it ensures a safe and legal way to stream media. It’s available on multiple platforms including mobile apps, smart TVs, and gaming consoles.
Vudu: Known for offering both free content (with ads) and paid rentals, Vudu is a reliable option for streaming movies and TV shows. It also provides high-quality content and a huge selection, especially for those willing to pay for the latest releases.
YesMovies: Another free streaming platform that offers a wide selection of movies and TV shows. Like some others on this list, it may host unauthorized content, which can pose legal risks. Users should be cautious and ensure they are streaming from legitimate sources.
Fmovies: Fmovies is a site offering free movie and TV show streaming, with new content regularly added. However, like other similar sites, it can have pop-up ads and redirect issues, and it’s crucial to be aware of the legalities of using such platforms.
FAQs About is 123Movies Safe?
No, it operates outside of legal streaming platforms.
Yes, it can expose your device to malware or viruses.
Legal streaming platforms like Netflix or Hulu are safer.