Popcorn Time Aka Netflix Of Piracy “Returns” Amid Coronavirus Pandemic

Popcorn Time, the once-popular open-source BitTorrent client that allowed people to stream movies and TV shows illegally, has returned from the dead after years of hiding.

Motherboard reports Popcorn Time version 4.0 has surfaced online and seems to be loaded with a collection of new movies and TV shows.

Also known as the Netflix of Piracy, the Popcorn Time app lets users stream content from the Bittorrent network without the need to download any files on their machine.

The app gained much traction after its initial launch back in 2014. A big reason behind this was the ease-of-use of the app provided to the streamers. Not to mention, how closely the UI of Popcorn Time resembles conventional streaming apps.

But as is quite common in the piracy world, the app was taken down by the authorities multiple times. However, given its open-source nature, several forks of Popcorn Time have popped up from time to time.

Motherboard notes that the new version of the Popcorn Time app is also free and works similar to the older versions. It even suggests using a VPN service to dodge ISPs, trying to keep an eye on their internet activity.

However, coincidentally or strategically, the pirate streaming app is released at a time when people across the world are being asked to stay indoors due to the Coronavirus pandemic.

Other than overstocking toilet paper supplies, one of the things people might want to do is binge-watch a movie series or a TV show. Here, Popcorn Time comes to the rescue for those who don’t want to spend money on streaming services like Netflix and Amazon Prime.

Regardless, it remains to be seen how long the new Popcorn Time app will manage to social distance itself from production houses and authorities.