ThopTV is a third-party streaming application which provides free access to a wide range of content, including live sports, TV shows, web series and movies. The application also provides free access to paid streaming services like Netflix, Amazon Prime and Hotstar. ThopTV quickly became a popular platform because it provides free access to thousands of television channels, sports events, movies and on-demand content.
ThopTV supports multiple languages, which makes it accessible to users all over the world. Certain versions of the app allow the users to download content for offline viewing. ThopTV is completely free, unlike paid streaming platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime and others. The platform is compatible with high quality HD and HD streaming. ThopTV operates in the legal grey area because it aggregates content from various sources without proper licensing.
Legal Status in India
ThopTV has not been explicitly banned by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology of the Government of India. However, it has been blocked in the country. Accessing ThopTV to watch or stream content can lead to legal repercussions in India because doing so invites legal action under the Copyright Protection Act.
In the year 2021, Star India filed a case against ThopTV, just before the ICC World Test Championship final. The media conglomerate accused ThopTV of providing illegal access to shows, films, live sports and on-demand video content, without authorisation from the original owners of the contents. ThopTV was also accused of illegally causing heavy revenue and viewership losses to the broadcasters. Other broadcasting channels like Viacom and Hotstar had also made similar complaints against ThopTV.
Following accusations of unauthorised content distribution and legal action by multiple broadcast companies for content piracy, the authorities blocked ThopTV in India. Its servers were shut down and rendered inaccessible.
On 13th July 2021, the cyber nodal cell of Maharashtra police arrested ThopTV CEO Satish Venkateshwarlu from his Gurram Gada residence in Hyderabad, Telangana. He was charged under relevant sections of Copyright Act, 1957, Information Technology Act, 2000 and Indian Penal Code for cheating, copyright violations and unauthorised distribution of copyrighted content. Another developer, Subhanjan Kayet, was arrested in May 2022.
Current Status in India
ThopTV is not available on Play Store and App Store because it was removed by both the platforms due to policy violations. ThopTV is still accessible through unofficial APK downloads. However, accessing ThopTV via unofficial APK downloads not only carries data security risks but also exposes the user to legal consequences of viewing pirated content.
Santosh Kumar is a Professional SEO and Blogger, With the help of this blog he is trying to share top 10 lists, facts, entertainment news from India and all around the world.
