According to the CUII Code of Conduct, only clear cases of copyright infringing websites may be blocked. Such platforms specifically aim their services at facilitating the infringement of copyright-protected works. These are also referred to as structurally copyright-infringing websites. 

When users visit such websites, they are exposing themselves to considerable risks.

The websites operate under an illegal business model that is punishable by law. This means that the websites not only infringe copyright, they also disregard other laws intended to protect users. Above all, data protection is a concept totally alien to such sites!

One particular danger is that many illegal websites contain malware, i.e. harmful software. The malware can, for example, be disguised as advertising, known as malvertising. If users click on the infected adverts, the malware is installed via executed scripts. The links in the adverts can also redirect to malicious websites. This not only allows malicious programmes to be installed on the user's device but also allows sensitive data such as bank details to be accessed, misused or sold. There is also a risk that malware infections will not only install malware on the user's device but also target connected networks, such as a company network.

In addition, such websites read cookies and browser histories, for example, and can sell the data obtained in this way to third parties.

You can find information on legal alternatives under the heading Information on legal content.