The news: TAG, a non-profit global advertising industry organization formed to combat digital criminal activity, has launched a cross-industry initiative to eliminate advertising revenues from 1,376 digital piracy websites providing illegal streams and stolen content from the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

TAG compiled the target domain list via contributions from its AdSec Threat Exchange, an industry forum for sharing advertising-related threat intelligence. The organization distributed these sites through its Pirate Domain Exclusion List (PDEL) to key digital advertising supply chain intermediaries to block ad dollars from reaching the illegitimate operations.

Why it matters: Global sporting events like the World Cup are prime targets for criminals attempting to intercept legitimate advertising budgets by hosting stolen streaming content, and the effort establishes a blueprint for safeguarding live entertainment.

Topics: News