Showbox Now is a free service that lets users download and watch movies and TV shows. The mobile app is quite popular but was taken down in December 2018 but the developers after they were hit by litigation from production houses.
Is ShowBox Now Legal?
Because Showbox provides commercial, copyrighted video content to its users for free download and without proper licensing by movie studios and producers, it is illegal to use. As a matter of fact, producers have engaged in legal tussles to have the service and app shut down.
Which is why the app was shut down last year. However, a new version of the app has been released in 2019 and users are flocking to install and download it.
If you do choose to use ShowBox Now, know that you are engaging in an illegal act in many countries, though there are countries in which the laws may be lax enough to keep users out of trouble. Do understand that if you download and use the app, you can be traced and sued. Yes; it is unlikely that a big movie studio will come after an individual, but then who can tell?
Is ShowBox Now Safe?
Because of its illegal nature, the new app is not available in any official app stores, be it Google Play or Apple Store, but is available in the wild as an APK file download for Android phones. A faceless app is potentially a dangerous piece of software.
It is reported that the people behind the app agreed to warn potential users that they may be sued if they are found to have downloaded and viewed copyrighted content via the app. Which means that users are at risk. You might be willing to take the risk of downloading the ShowBox Now app, but note that on the Internet, you are almost never 100% anonymous.
You can be traced and you can be identified.
Also note that not being an official app available from Google play Store, there is the risk that it contains malware and your personal, private data is being stolen and used for unpleasant purposes. You never can tell if your sensitive information, including passwords, bank details, card details, and more, are safe when you use such apps.
Here is a warning displayed prominently on one of the websites offering Showbox for download:
“Show Box is NOT a legitimate software application for watching copyright protected movies,” a warning on that page reads. “The movie studios will be able to see your IP address and your COMPLETE viewing history! (Do you really want the movie studios knowing the types of videos you like?)
“You will very likely be sued for copyright infringement. It is not worth the trouble! You can use Best Legal apps (alternatives) like Netflix, Amazon Prime etc.”
Websites that promote the service and/or mobile app too have been targeted by production houses and can face legal action.
Legal Alternatives to ShowBox Now
There are 100% legal alternatives to ShowBox Now and it is recommended that you use those apps and services instead. Many of them charge a small monthly or annual subscription for access to thousands of videos, shows and movies.
Some of these legal alternatives include Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Disney Plus, among others.
Are there any free alternatives that are legal? Yes; there are. We understand that this is an age in which there are millions of people hooked on free video content. We have compiled a list of five free movie streaming sites and apps that are completely legal.
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