IMO it’s a good idea to use a VPN when accessing any pirated content, as a general rule. While there are exceptions (e.g. usenet, specific countries with piracy-friendly laws/enforcement) and it’s arguably unlikely end-users of pirated streams would be prosecuted, why take the risk? It’s cheap insurance and there are few downsides. In some countries ISPs will act on reported piracy at your IP address and you could have your internet cut off or suspended, and/or be fined. So, better safe than sorry.
Some western countries have very strict copyright laws (e.g. Germany and the U.S.) where if an ISP sees you accessing pirated content, your internet access might be cut off or you might even get arrested.
Question from a dummy: why should you use a VPN when visiting?
IMO it’s a good idea to use a VPN when accessing any pirated content, as a general rule. While there are exceptions (e.g. usenet, specific countries with piracy-friendly laws/enforcement) and it’s arguably unlikely end-users of pirated streams would be prosecuted, why take the risk? It’s cheap insurance and there are few downsides. In some countries ISPs will act on reported piracy at your IP address and you could have your internet cut off or suspended, and/or be fined. So, better safe than sorry.
Plausible deniability
Some western countries have very strict copyright laws (e.g. Germany and the U.S.) where if an ISP sees you accessing pirated content, your internet access might be cut off or you might even get arrested.