Recently, Kodi has become very famous among the masses as it can stream content of all kinds. Kodi comes with various types of video add ons; music add ons, etc. Kodi has got the power to transform the devices of the users into a media center.
What’s special about this software is the fact that it not only transforms the device into a media library by playing media from the local media libraries and storage, but it also has the ability to stream content in a smooth way through various add on.
It opens up options to watch live tv, videos, television shows, movies, etc. Moreover, it supports all kinds of devices along with raspberry pi devices.
A Kodi user can get easy access to the bottomless pool of content on the web, and you can reach them with the help of free addons.
I have been one of the active and proud Kodi users for many years now, and I am in love with it. Kodi is the best media player I have used so far. Thus, I would never ask anyone to not use Kodi.
How great is that? However, Kodi has always been a topic of debate among the people as it allows free streaming of the copyrighted content to its users. This trait of Kodi has aroused many doubts in the mind of people.
Questions like “Is Kodi legal” or “Is Kodi safe to use” might occur in your mind. Thus, to have a clear picture of the Kodi media player, you can refer to the article below.
To solve all your doubts regarding Kodi, I am writing this article to help clear some of your doubts on the legal standing of Kodi media player.
What I am going to share with you is not conclusive, but it must help you with some of your doubts related to Kodi.
Is Kodi legal?
The legal standing of Kodi remains unclear as there has been no specific law against streaming copyright content in the world. However, there is no doubt that Kodi, as a standalone media player, is legal.
It is an excellent software with movies, videos, tv shows, all that you would find entertaining. The presence of Kodi in official app stores like Play Store and Microsoft Store proves its authenticity.
Thus, one can download and install Kodi and be one of the proud Kodi users without any second thoughts.
So, where is the real issue?
It’s when you can access the copyrighted content for free using Kodi plugins, the legal tension begins. Yes, as I have already stated above, there are no rigid laws, but just like the way there is no law that streaming free or licensed content is legal in the same way, there isn’t any hard and fast rule for streaming copyrighted content for free.
I am trying to convey that the laws are more univocal for people who save and distribute the copyrighted content. Many people had to face serious connotations for using such content unlawfully.
What are Kodi addons?
There are hundreds of Kodi plugins, also called Kodi add-ons, for you to choose from. If you use the free add ons, you can stream the licensed content for free. You can download the add ons from the repositories with many add ons, and the official Kodi Add on Repository. The official store offers legal add ons which either provides the user free content or subscription-based content.
There is nothing tricky if you choose an add-on from the official repository. Everything present in the official repository is safe.
Nonetheless, it is important to understand that there are some third-party repositories that have third-party add ons. These kinds of repositories allow free streaming of copyrighted content, which can turn out to be risky.
Using the copyrighted content for free is undoubtedly against copyright laws. The question that arises here – what are the consequences that one might face for free online streaming?
Is Kodi Legal in the USA?
There are no clear laws regarding streaming copyrighted content for free in the USA. However, I have come across many such incidents where people get into legal problems because of playing copyright content for free.
The rules related to streaming services are not clear, and hence people find it difficult to come to a conclusion. For instance, I have heard about many users who have received legal notices against such activities.
I can assure you that distributing the licensed content is a violation of the copyright laws, and whoever commits such mistakes might go through serious ramifications like fines and jail. So, third-party add ons are illegal, and the developers can be punished for that. Thus, I would suggest you stay away from the guesswork and remain in the safe zone.
How can VPN keep us?
Using ExpressVPN will ensure that every online activity that you do is not traceable. Hence, your privacy is intact here. VPN will protect the device that you are using, and it will not allow anyone to invade your private space. So, if you are using Kodi, make sure to use a VPN too. There is also a special feature called kill switch that VPN provides.
Is Kodi Legal in the Europe and Rest of the World?
European countries are no different from the other parts of the world when it comes to copyright laws. They are unclear. As I have said, Kodi is a legal media player everywhere around the world, but if you use the add ons to stream copyrighted content, it might end you up in legal issues.
What are the consequences of the illegal distribution of content?
People have to be more careful when it comes to storing and distributing licensed content as the laws are more rigid and strict in such cases.
In fact, Promoting usage of add ons that helps in free online streaming might lead to heavy punishment like jail and fine. Also, anybody promoting the licensed content by sharing any affiliate links is also not considered.
For example, if a person sells preloaded set-top devices like firestick, it is an offense in many countries, and nobody should do it. Recently, a Dutchman was caught for selling such kinds of devices.
Remember, selling such kinds of devices or boxes isn’t illegal, but having Kodi already installed was against the law and promoted piracy.
How to Stream on Kodi Safely Using VPN?
I am glad we have VPN services to our rescue. There are many types of VPN for Kodi boxes. There might be many people or many sources who will keep track of what you do on the internet.
Whether you are watching movies and tv shows or any website that you are browsing, there are people who are tracking your every step. They can see your IP address, but a VPN protects your internet traffic.
The easiest way to maintain your privacy online is by using a VPN on Kodi. VPN will not allow any external free open source to trace your online actions by masking your internet connection. Thus, Kodi is completely safe for you with a VPN.
Which VPN do I suggest?
If you ask me, I would suggest you to use ExpressVPN to safeguard your internet connection. I have been an active user of ExpressVPN for a long time now in my operating system, and I can say that this VPN is the fastest VPN internet service, provider. This VPN service will never disappoint you.
Apart from protecting your online actions, ExpressVPN also permits you to play geo-restricted content and get rid of internet throttling. I hope the above-mentioned reasons are enough to understand why you need a VPN.
Note: I don’t take into consideration the usage of illegal copyrighted content for free. I strongly recommend everyone to use a VPN provider for good internet service since using a VPN is the most convenient option available for all.
Are Kodi Add ons Safe to Use?
It is difficult to answer this due to the lack of proper copyright laws by the government. The laws remain ambiguous and vague. I want to sum up the answer to this question as if you are using Kodi media player to have fun and not distribute or promote the pirated content, and it is safe for you to use. However, I suggest you keep track of the new rules and laws related to such issues in your country.
Can we trust Kodi as software?
If you have any doubt about Kodi as software, then I can assure you that it is a very trustworthy application without any viruses. Kodi has no virus programs and is completely safe for your device. Platforms like Google Play and Microsoft Store put up apps after thorough checking and multiple tests. Thus, this proves that Kodi is safe and poses no threat t you and your device since it is on these platforms.
You need to know that you have to be very cautious about the add ons that you use on Kodi, especially when you download any third-party Kodi. There are various add ons present out there, but all of them aren’t safe for usage. You can choose the ones that are present in the official Kodi Add-on Repository.
In the case of third-party addons, go for the add ons that have been proven to be safe. If you are still unsure, you can select the Kodi addons on top that I felt are safe to use. However, we all know the fact that sharing and promoting any kind of content like video content or images that are copyrighted is wrong.
For example, if a person sells set-top devices or boxes like Amazon Fire TV stick, which already have add ons, it is an offense in many countries, and nobody should do it. But selling only those boxes or Amazon fire tv sticks without any preloaded add ons isn’t wrong.
I would like to denote some points here that I don’t support illegal streaming by any means.
Conclusion
By now, it can be concluded that Kodi, as a media player, is legal, harmless, and open-source software. The developers of Kodi are from the xbmc foundation have done great as it is a very reliable software.
All the qualities that Kodi has as software are impressive.
If you install and use Kodi to watch copyrighted content through any legal open source and have a VPN, you have do not have to worry about anything, as you will not face any trouble for playing the licensed content. But people who sell this content and promote piracy will face serious consequences like heavy penalties and jail.
I want to clarify here that I don’t support anyone violating any rules related to Copyright. Although, I do suggest people use a VPN to shield their internet activities from sources that might be tracking them.
So, go and get your VPN service provider and your Kodi box immediately. Also, you can download the Kodi app without worrying much. I hope some of your doubts are solved after you read this article.
