If you use Real Debrid with third-party streaming apps, Kodi and Stremio addons, or Plex, you might have noticed a decrease in available Real Debrid links or found that the links you do see are not working. There have also been rumours suggesting that Real Debrid may be shutting down. So, what’s happening, and why should you not be alarmed? Keep reading to learn more.
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What is Real Debrid?
Real Debrid is a multi-hosting service that enhances users’ streaming capabilities by aggregating links from various file hosts. Real Debrid aims to provide a smoother streaming experience by offering access to premium streaming links.
Many links allow users to stream copyrighted material, which has drawn the French Federation of Film Distributors (FNEF) attention, as Real Debrid operates from France. The FNEF has raised concerns about Real Debrid’s role in enabling access to pirated content. As a result, they issued a formal notice against Real Debrid, demanding that the service strengthen its anti-piracy measures.
The FNEF Formal Notice
The FNEF’s formal notice against Real Debrid is based on growing concerns about piracy’s negative impact on the film industry, especially with the rise of streaming services. The federation believes that services like Real Debrid hurt the legal channels filmmakers use to make money. By offering access to pirated films, they threaten the financial stability of many people in the industry, from big studios to independent filmmakers.
The FNEF points out several key issues:
1. Economic Impact: Piracy cuts into box office earnings and makes it harder for creators and distributors to cover their costs. Every illegal view can lead to lost income, making it challenging for filmmakers to fund their projects.
2. Quality Control: Watching pirated films often means poorer video and audio quality. This can spoil the viewing experience and harm the film’s reputation, leading audiences to avoid supporting legitimate releases.
3. Legal Framework: The FNEF states that Real Debrid breaks copyright laws that protect original content. By sharing unauthorised copies, the service undermines the rules to ensure creators get paid fairly.
The Legal Landscape
Real Debrid operates in a legal grey area, which has sparked substantial debate among experts. Some users argue that the service enhances their legal streaming options, while many in the film industry view it as a threat to their business model.
The FNEF’s formal notice expressing its intention to hold Real Debrid accountable indicates that legal action may follow if the service does not make changes, such as implementing stricter content verification measures or limiting access to certain copyrighted materials.
Real Debrid's Response
Instead of getting involved in a lengthy and costly legal battle, Real Debrid announced the implementation of enhanced anti-piracy measures and took to X to inform its followers about how it plans to comply with the formal notice issued by the FNEF. The measures include:
- Blocking, or having already blocked, all files available on certain hosting sites.
- Implementing a filtering function.
- Blocking all torrent hashes from private torrent trackers.
- Completely removing cached files.
- Deactivating the endpoint API, which allows users to link their third-party streaming apps or Kodi addons to their Real Debrid accounts by entering a code on the Real Debrid website.
- Blocking counterfeit Kodi and Stremio applications that meet identifiable criteria.
Implications for Real Debrid Users
What does this mean for the end user? The truth is, we still do not fully understand the implications of the current situation or how it will evolve in the coming days and weeks. Features and functionalities that are reliable today could suddenly become ineffective tomorrow. At this moment, Real Debrid remains operational and has not ceased its services, but it is undoubtedly facing a challenging landscape, which suggests that changes are on the horizon.
Many users have reported a significant decline in the number of Real Debrid links available when using popular third-party applications and Kodi. This decrease can affect the overall streaming experience, making it more difficult to find reliable links for desired content.
Some users may not see immediate changes and might feel everything is working as usual. However, there is a concern that access to certain files and hosting sites could be restricted or blocked soon. This change might make it harder to use third-party streaming apps, Kodi, Plex, or Stremio. As things progress, it will be important for users to stay updated and adjust to any new restrictions that come up.
Alternative Solutions
If you’ve been using Real Debrid and are worried about recent changes, there’s no need to panic. As an experienced cord-cutter, you probably know there are always challenges to navigate, and backup options and workarounds are often available.
For instance, if cached torrents have been cleared and are no longer accessible, you can manually add new torrents to download or view. For a detailed tutorial, check out my guide: Torrent Safely With Real Debrid. Many Kodi add-ons and third-party streaming apps also offer settings to bypass cached torrents. I’ll update my tutorials shortly to include steps to do this.
Additionally, there are many third-party applications, such as OnStream, that do not rely on Real Debrid links. The same applies to specific Kodi addons, like Elementum, which functions perfectly well without Real Debrid. Also, some Kodi Builds such as Diggz Xenon AIO offers completely free streaming without using any premium services.
Furthermore, if you’re still looking for access to premium streaming links, remember, there are always alternatives. Services similar to Real Debrid, such as AllDebrid and Premiumize, are available and worth considering.
Wrapping Up
The recent legal action taken by the FNEF against Real Debrid represents a pivotal moment in the ongoing struggle against online piracy. This development raises important questions about the future viability of Real Debrid, a service popular for its role in accessing a wide range of streaming content, as well as the implications for other similar platforms that facilitate content sharing.
The outcome of this case could lead to stricter regulations or even the shutdown of such services, impacting many users who rely on them for access to media. In the meantime, if you’re looking for alternative options to Real Debrid, make sure to check out the suggestions provided in this post, which may offer viable solutions for your streaming needs.
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