US Law

In the US copyright law is protected by the Digital Millennium Copyright Act DMCA Just watching content without downloading it might seem less risky than sharing it but it could still be seen as showing it to the public or making a copy in some cases Internet providers often send warnings or slow down your internet if they see you using unofficial streaming sites If you keep breaking the rules your service could be cut off or you could face legal action in rare serious cases

The focus is usually on those who share illegal content but users who watch it are in a grey area with possible though less likely consequences

European Union Law

EU law especially after a 2017 ruling