FMovies, a well-known pirate streaming website, attracts millions of American visitors monthly by providing free access to movies and TV series. Its popularity presents a significant challenge to paid subscription services, making it a prime target for the movie industry. FMovies has become a focal point in discussions about implementing site-blocking measures in the United States, especially as it outpaces Disney+ and Crunchyroll in terms of traffic, according to SimilarWeb’s rankings of U.S. ‘Streaming & Online TV’ sites.
The idea of site blocking, once avoided by U.S. politicians, has gained momentum in recent years. Charles Rivkin, CEO of the Motion Picture Association (MPA), has been advocating for site-blocking legislation, citing its success in other countries. FMovies, identified as a primary target by the MPA, receives over 160 million monthly visits globally, with a significant portion coming from the United States.
Despite concerns raised by the MPA, FMovies’ traffic continues to climb, pushing it to the ninth position in SimilarWeb’s U.S. “Streaming & Online TV” category. Although FMovies faces tough competition from industry giants like YouTube, HBO Max, and Netflix, it outperforms Disney+ and Crunchyroll in terms of web-based visits in the United States.
During a congressional hearing, lawmakers expressed astonishment at the ease with which FMovies could be accessed. Representative Ted Lieu even demonstrated live access to the site on his phone, highlighting the lack of action from online service providers to block it. However, ISPs are unlikely to act without legal mandates, such as court orders.
One obstacle to site blocking in the United States is the absence of no-fault injunctive relief, which would empower courts to compel ISPs to take action without imposing liability. Despite its limitations, site blocking remains a key tool in combating piracy, with research suggesting positive effects on legitimate consumption.
While FMovies has yet to respond to the controversy, the site relies heavily on advertising revenue, particularly from U.S. traffic. A decline in U.S. visitors could have significant financial implications for the platform.
