123movies, the infamous hub for online piracy, known under aliases like 123movieshub and GoMovies, has sent shockwaves through the streaming community with its sudden decision to shut down. In a surprising turn of events, a message appeared on the site, forewarning users of its imminent closure by the week’s end. But that’s not all. In a bold move, the site’s operators are calling on their massive user base to embrace a new era of respect for filmmakers, urging them to support the industry by opting for legitimate avenues to watch movies and TV shows.
123movies, the titan of online piracy, with its aliases 123movieshub and Gomovies, has long reigned as one of the web’s largest pirate streaming sites, drawing in millions of visitors daily.
However, a recent announcement has sent shockwaves through its vast user base. In an unexpected turn of events, the site’s operators have declared that the end is nigh, revealing plans to shutter operations by week’s end.
“After years of providing access to countless movies and shows, it’s time to bid farewell. We extend our deepest gratitude to our loyal friends and supporters who have journeyed with us,” expressed the somber 123movies team.
Adding a surprising twist to the announcement, 123movies is urging its users to “respect” filmmakers by choosing to pay for movies and TV shows instead of resorting to piracy.
“PS: Let’s show our appreciation for the creators behind the movies and shows by supporting them through legitimate means,” the team implores.
The bombshell shutdown announcement, currently gracing only the classic homepage, arrives hot on the heels of the MPAA’s damning declaration branding the site as the most notorious illegal platform globally.
“Presently, the most prominent illegal hub globally, 123movies.to (at this juncture), is managed from Vietnam, boasting a staggering 98 million monthly visitors,” revealed MPAA’s Executive Vice President & Chief of Global Content Protection, Jan van Voorn.
This isn’t the first time the site has been under scrutiny. Last year, the US Ambassador to Vietnam called for the local Government to criminally prosecute the site’s operators on their alleged home turf. Additionally, the site found itself squarely in the crosshairs of the office of the US Trade Representative, earning a dubious spot in its latest Notorious Markets report.
Despite its frequent name changes over the past few months, 123movies remains a relative newcomer, having burst onto the scene less than three years ago to swiftly establish itself as a juggernaut.
Yet, as the announcement ominously hints, its reign is set to abruptly conclude in just a matter of days. With millions of potential disenchanted users left in its wake, the void it leaves behind will be monumental.
The motive behind this sudden curtain call remains shrouded in mystery. While speculation runs rampant, with legal pressure topping the list, the 123movies team remains tight-lipped, offering no insight into their decision.