TeaTV is a relatively new streaming app that gives access to the latest movies, TV shows, and live channels for free. It does not require you to sign up to access the content, and the user-friendly interface makes it easy to search for titles.
The service claims that it doesn’t include any illegal or pirated content. However, this is not entirely true because it gives you access to paid-for content for free, which is illegal in most countries. Also, following a recent software update, TeaTV collects IP addresses and sells them to third-party vendors. That is why you need a virtual private network (VPN) when using TeaTV.
This TeaTV safety review article will examine whether TeaTV is legal and safe, other legal alternatives, and much more.
Is it illegal to use TeaTV?
Watching any video content without the copyright holder’s permission is illegal. The only exception to watching free content permissibly is through Network TV stations online like CBS, FOX, ABC, etc. This is because the networks are usually copyright holders.
These days, free movie websites like TeaTV are cropping up every day. This leads to the spread of copyright piracy as more people don’t want to pay to watch their favorite content online.
The media and entertainment industry are making a lot of losses because piracy has become prevalent. As a result, they are pressuring internet service providers (ISPs) and authorities to tighten up on copyright infringement. One way they do this is by monitoring users’ online activities via IP addresses and blocking access to any illegal sites.
Since copyright laws in most countries prohibit streaming copyrighted content, you should protect your connections with a VPN when using TeaTV or other free streaming services. However, some countries allow it for personal use, while others don’t have strict copyright rules.
Copyright laws in most countries constantly change, so check out your local rules or consult a legal expert before using TeaTV. The table below shows how different countries handle piracy.
Disclaimer: This article offers insights into TeaTV, and PrivacySavvy does not encourage piracy by all means. Moreover, we are not lawyers, nor should you consider this to be legal advice.
| Countries | Stand on piracy |
| Piracy is allowed but for personal use | Spain, Poland, Switzerland |
| Piracy is banned, and illegal | China, Australia, France, Britain, Germany, Italy, Russia, Latvia, Portugal, Japan, the US, South Africa |
| Piracy is illegal, but there isn’t active prosecution | Canada, Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Denmark, Czech Republic, Greece, Egypt, Israel, India, Iran, Mexico, Philippines, Romania, Slovakia, Uruguay, Slovenia |
It is essential to highlight that streaming and downloading copyrighted content are almost the same. This is because when you stream a video online, it first downloads for you to watch it in real-time, then is deleted from the cache once you leave the website. So, you will still get into trouble for streaming copyrighted content.
Legal consequences of using TeaTV
Countries have different repercussions for breaking copyright laws. For example, you will be fined heavily or imprisoned for streaming or downloading copyright content in the UK. However, you might just get a warning in other countries.
It is not very likely to get prosecuted when watching content on a free streaming site like TeaTV because there isn’t any file left on your device after you close the stream. However, you can be tracked via your device’s IP address.
Most countries don’t put much effort into prosecuting people who use illegal streaming services. Instead, authorities target the distributors of the content. However, if your country is strict on torrents or other copyright infringements, you might get hefty fines or imprisonment.
How to use TeaTV securely
Most countries have outlawed streaming copyrighted content, so we don’t encourage using streaming sites TeaTV. However, some countries allow it even if for personal use. Regardless, you should protect your connections from snooping eyes and malware with a VPN and antivirus software.
A VPN will anonymize your online activities, preventing you from being caught when streaming on TeaTV. Nonetheless, we still urge you to adhere to your local laws.