If you watch free movies or web series on unauthorised apps like Pikashow, it is time to be cautious. Cyber agencies under the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) have issued a strong warning stating that such apps are not only illegal but also pose a serious threat to users’ personal data, bank accounts and digital identity.
The government has made it clear that the temptation of pirated content can result in major financial losses as well as legal consequences.
Government Alert on Pikashow
The Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C), functioning under the MHA, along with the government’s cyber awareness platform Cyber Dost, has issued a public advisory regarding the Pikashow app.
According to officials, Pikashow streams pirated movies and web series illegally, which is a direct violation of India’s Copyright Act and the Information Technology Act. Cyber agencies noted that such apps deliberately operate outside the Google Play Store and Apple App Store because they do not meet mandatory security and compliance standards.
Users are often lured into downloading these apps through third-party websites, Telegram groups and social media links.
Why Apps Outside Official Stores Are Dangerous
Cybersecurity experts warn that unauthorised apps like Pikashow frequently contain malware, spyware or trojans embedded within the application. Once installed, these apps can secretly access sensitive user information without explicit consent.
According to the government advisory, such apps may gain access to:
- Photos and videos stored on the device
- Contact lists
- SMS messages and OTPs
- Location data
- Sensitive banking details linked to UPI, net banking and digital wallets
Even after installation, these apps often continue running in the background, silently transmitting user data to external servers.
Real Risk of Bank Accounts Being Drained
Cyber agencies have emphasised that the biggest danger posed by such apps is digital financial fraud. Investigators say pirated streaming apps can monitor user activity related to banking and payment applications.
Through this access:
- Fraudulent transactions may be initiated
- Money can be siphoned directly from bank accounts
- Users’ digital identities can be misused for further cyber crimes
Officials revealed that investigations into several recent cyber fraud cases showed a common link: victims had installed pirated streaming apps that acted as the initial entry point for financial theft.
Watching Pirated Content Is Also a Crime
The Ministry of Home Affairs has reiterated that watching, downloading or sharing pirated content is itself a punishable offence under the IT Act, 2000 and the Copyright Act.
Violators may face:
- Monetary penalties
- Legal notices
- Criminal prosecution in serious cases
Cyber authorities have clarified that ignorance of the law is not a defence, and users are expected to exercise due caution while accessing digital content.
What Should Users Do?
The government and cybersecurity experts advise citizens to follow these precautions:
- Watch movies and web series only on authorised OTT platforms
- Avoid apps claiming to offer “free movies” or “free premium content”
- Verify the authenticity and source of apps before downloading
- Do not grant unnecessary permissions to mobile applications
- Report suspicious activity immediately through official cybercrime channels
