On February 2, 2024, Vietnamese internet users faced a significant disruption as major illegal streaming websites for soccer and movies became inaccessible. The government’s action, widely reported in state media and social networks, marked a decisive move to enforce copyright laws more rigorously. This initiative aims to curb piracy in the sports and film sectors, which have previously existed in a tolerated gray area. However, the reaction from the public indicates a more nuanced sentiment than simply accepting stricter enforcement.
Many users do not fundamentally oppose copyright enforcement; instead, they express a sense of loss for the free and convenient platforms that had become integral to their daily lives. The regret felt is less about the cost of legal alternatives and more about the inadequacy of those options to replace the convenience and accessibility provided by the now-defunct pirate sites.
The Normalization of Piracy in Vietnam
For decades, using pirated content has been a common practice in Vietnam. Watching movies or streaming sports illegally has not only been prevalent but also normalized, with links shared openly across social media platforms and forums. Users often perceive piracy as a victimless crime, especially when the rights holders are large, foreign corporations that feel remote and abstract. This perception of detachment has allowed piracy to flourish, as many users struggle to comprehend who is truly affected by their actions.
The lack of stringent enforcement has contributed to this mindset. Although Vietnam has copyright laws on its books, penalties for end users have been infrequent, making legal risks seem theoretical. Coupled with a historical context where culture and entertainment were subsidized, many consumers have grown accustomed to expecting low or no costs associated with leisure activities.
Challenges Facing Legal Streaming Services
The persistence of pirate platforms is not solely due to illegal access; it also highlights significant shortcomings in legal streaming services. Official platforms face challenges such as fragmentation, where viewers must subscribe to multiple services to access different content. For example, a fan wishing to watch the English Premier League requires one subscription, while the Champions League demands another. These costs can quickly accumulate.
In contrast, pirate sites consolidate access, offering a wide array of content—from minor leagues to major tournaments—without the barriers faced by legal alternatives. Content quality is another factor influencing user choices. Many users, like Quý, a soccer fan from Hanoi, recall the entertaining commentary and interactive experiences provided by pirate streams, which often surpassed those of their legal counterparts.
The film industry encounters similar hurdles. International releases can arrive in Vietnam months or even years after their debut, while pirate platforms make them available within days. Moreover, subtitles on illegal sites frequently outperform those on licensed services, offering a more relatable experience for local audiences. Mai, a university student in Hanoi, articulated this dilemma, noting that official subscriptions often feel prohibitively expensive for students.
While piracy has generally undercut legal pricing, it has also outperformed official platforms in terms of speed, variety, and user engagement.
The Hidden Risks of Accessing Free Content
Despite the allure of free access, pirate platforms come with significant risks. Users face potential malware, spyware, and data theft. Furthermore, illegal streaming sites are often linked to online gambling advertisements, which pose both legal and social risks within Vietnam. While many users may view these dangers as abstract, the reality is that digital footprints can have lasting consequences.
The recent crackdown on pirate sites may seem conclusive, but the demand for such content suggests that alternatives will adapt and emerge. As seen in other regions, the struggle against piracy is ongoing, with illegal platforms evolving rather than disappearing, often in response to what has been termed “subscription fatigue.” Vietnam’s situation reflects a broader global tension regarding content accessibility.
Rethinking Copyright and Market Design
The issue at hand extends beyond a straightforward conflict between legality and illegality. It raises critical questions about affordability, content fragmentation, and consumer trust. As more content becomes restricted behind various subscriptions, it becomes increasingly challenging to expect users to respect copyright laws.
Additionally, pirate ecosystems have inadvertently fostered alternative creative efforts, such as informal commentary and volunteer subtitle translation, filling gaps left by official platforms. The pressing policy question is not merely whether Vietnam should protect copyright but what kind of market it wishes to create—one based solely on enforcement or one that genuinely engages users.
The shutdown of illegal streaming sites on February 2 was more than just a regulatory measure; it prompted millions of Vietnamese users to confront a fundamental question: Is the legal market prepared to compete? While copyright enforcement can eliminate illegal platforms, it cannot cultivate consumer loyalty. That loyalty will depend on whether legal services can provide affordability, accessibility, and compelling experiences that meet the expectations of audiences who once relied on the now-defunct sites.
