If you are searching if Kodi is legal in the USA, then you already know what is Kodi?
Maybe your only concern at the moment is whether it is legal to use in the USA.
It is vital to recognize, however, that Kodi has grown in prominence in recent years as a result of its capacity to easily turn your smartphone into a media center.
If you’ve been using Kodi for a while, you’ll certainly accept that it’s the greatest media player you’ve ever used.
Kodi is capable of not only playing media from local storage, but also of supporting online streaming via add-ons.
Kodi provides you with unlimited access to the internet’s content.
There are also hundreds of free add-ons available that allow you to dive into that online streaming experience.
That’s fantastic! Isn’t that so? Yes, it is.
However, since it allows you to access licensed information for free, Kodi has become the topic of legal debates.
It is to this end that we try to address the issue of legality surrounding the use of Kodi.
This post will try to answer the question; is Kodi legal in the US? And other questions that surround Kodi’s legality in terms of use.
Is Kodi Legal in the US?
Is Kodi legal in the United States, to address your point directly?
In the United States, Kodi is legal to use as a stand-alone program as long as you keep to the official add-ons.
Some Kodi plugins that provide free access to copyrighted content have a tendency to bring users under the legal radar.
Of course, as previously mentioned, there are no black-and-white rules prohibiting the downloading of any copyrighted material.
However, this does not imply that accessing free, licensed information is legal; in reality, this may be illegal and result in legal action.
There are many Kodi plugins, which are also known as Kodi add-ons.
The majority of such add-ons are available for free and allow you to watch licensed services on the internet for free, such as shows and movies.
Each Kodi add-on is obtained from repositories that house a variety of add-ons.
Kodi Add-on Repository is the only official repository available.
The Kodi official store has most of the legal add-ons that offer you unfettered access to either free public domain content or information that you have to pay for.
In the United States, copyright regulations prohibiting the online streaming of free content are far from simple.
However, several people have gotten themselves into legal trouble as a result of viewing free, copyrighted material.
Another thing is for sure certain, selling and sharing copyrighted works is a violation of copyright laws, and violators may face strict penalties and even prison time.
As a result, if a third-party add-on provides free viewing of copyrighted content, it is an unauthorized add-on, and the developers can face criminal charges.
In addition, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), like several other copyright authorities, has forbidden the selling of “pre-loaded” set-top Kodi boxes and continues to combat copyright violations
The United States has lately focused mainly on international copyright infringements and the prospect of changing the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (1998).
The Digital Millennium Copyright Act governs digital media and addresses the nature of copyright violation concerns as well as punishments.
To this end, it’s best to state clearly that free downloading of any licensed content is a direct breach of copyright rules
It’s better to avoid wishful thinking and stay secure by using VPNs to ensure that your online activities are anonymous.
Best VPNs for Kodi
It can be hard to pick a VPN to use with Kodi because there are so many choices.
This is due to the fact that many VPNs are designed solely for internet users.
Here at VPNJedi, we recommend to you the five best VPNs specifically for Kodi.
1. ExpressVPN
The reliability of ExpressVPN for removing geoblocks is well-known.
ExpressVPN also has an Amazon Appstore app, which makes it ideal for Fire TV Stick, Fire TV, and Fire TV Cube users.
If you do have an Android TV box or an Nvidia Shield, it is available on the Google Play Store, thereby making it simple to install.
ExpressVPN does have over 148 servers in more than 90 countries.
This implies that even if any server is too sluggish, you can move to one of the many others available.
A Speed Test functionality is also available which makes it simple to locate the fastest server.
ExpressVPN adheres to a strict no-logs policy, ensuring that your sensitive information is never saved on their servers.
ExpressVPN is a huge success with video streamers, which comes as no surprise.
With a 30-day money guarantee, you should give the service a try.
2. NordVPN
NordVPN has over 5,000+ servers in 62 countries, ensuring that speeds are maintained and that programming from various countries is unlocked.
NordVPN has an automated kill switch for added privacy protection.
In the case of a VPN disconnect, this would prevent your computer from surfing the web, preventing your details from being unintentionally exposed.
NordVPN’s Smart Play function is particularly appealing to video streamers.
Such a feature makes streaming sites think the client resides in a specific country by using dynamic DNS.
Although any VPN can achieve the same goal, providing dynamic DNS gives users the extra benefit of being able to link to any server.
This will result in quicker data transmission and, as a result, better video and audio quality.
Android TV, Amazon Fire TV, Nvidia Shield, Android phone or tablet, MacOS, iOS, and Windows all have NordVPN applications.
Tubi TV, Crackle, iPlayer WWW Kodi add-ons, and Zattoo Box content are all efficiently unlocked. It also doesn’t hold any logs.
With so many amazing functionalities it’s no surprise that NordVPN is a common option.
Going with their 30-day money-back guarantee, you can try it without risk.
3. Surfshark
Surfshark has a wide network of high-speed servers distributed across 65 countries.
It makes it so much easier to get around geoblocks and use Kodi in many other countries.
Every one of its plans provides unrestricted bandwidth and advanced security measures to ensure that your link is always secure.
Most of the major devices, including Fire TV Sticks and Linux, have Surfshark apps available.
Phishing attempts, trackers, advertisements, and malware are all blocked by its apps.
Surfshark comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee so that you can just try it without any risk.
It also provides free trials for MacOS, Android, and iOS clients for up to 7 days
4. CyberGhost
CyberGhost boasts of over 5,700 servers spread across 89 countries.
Although not as much as NordVPN, it still gives you plenty of choices for unblocking geo-blocked content and having the best photo and audio quality.
The CyberGhost app’s main menu includes a “for streaming” feature that lets you select from a list of servers configured for specific services like YouTube and ESPN.
After choosing a service, the app links to a server that is considered to be compliant with that service.
If a streaming company is deliberately attempting to obstruct CyberGhost servers, this useful function will save you time by allowing you to determine which servers are still operational without any guesswork involved.
Android TV, Amazon Fire TV, Nvidia Shield, Windows, MacOS, Android phone or tablet, and iOS are all supported by CyberGhost.
CyberGhost, such as many others on this list, does have a strict policy towards storing logs.
Take full benefit of the 45-day money-back guarantee and also the 7-day free trials for iOs, Android, and Windows users to see why CyberGhost is a common option for streaming.
5. IPVanish
When using Kodi, there are two items that demand your interest: speed and online security.
IPVanish claims to provide Kodi users with all of these services and more, claiming to provide them with unrestricted streaming as well as full online security.
As a VPN service provider, IPVanish is a simple-to-use VPN for streaming movies.
It was one of the first VPNs to release a dedicated app for Amazon Fire TV.
IPVanish has a large number of VPN servers located all over the world.
It is, however, particularly beneficial for Kodi users.
This is due to its complete compatibility with all Kodi add-ons.
As a result, Kodi users do not need to be worried about a Kodi add-on not functioning because their VPN somehow doesn’t support it.
Some VPN services are compatible with a limited number of Kodi add-ons.
IPVanish is not one of them.
This VPN service is compatible with all Kodi add-ons.
IPVanish is also extremely stable and easy to use.
It has built a strong reputation for itself through consistently delivering year in and year out.
The major drawback with IPVanish is the fact that it a US-based VPN.
How to use a VPN with Kodi
Apps for Linux, macOS, Windows PC, Amazon Fire TV Stick, and iOS are available from most decent VPNs.
If your provider doesn’t have Linux software, try the open-source OpenVPN app: which can be manually installed.
Here’s how to set up a VPN on Kodi:
- Get a VPN provider that fits your needs; we suggest IPVanish.
- Install the VPN software on your computer, ensuring to pick the correct version.
- Link to the closest server using the VPN software (this is for best speed).
- Fire up Kodi.
That’s all there is to it; you’re now connected!
That’s what there is to it!
Well, if your VPN app supports it, you might want to allow the kill switch, which should stop all traffic if the VPN link drops.
Although, if your computer does not support VPNs, you will need to use a wifi router to configure the VPN.
You could do this by setting up a virtual router on a laptop or installing the VPN on a real router.
Additionally, if your external router does not support VPNs, you might need to load new firmware onto it.
The Best VPN for Kodi? What to Lookout For
A VPN is by far the most reliable means to remain protected online and it’s a necessity if you want to watch content without interruption.
However, when it comes to selecting a VPN, the options may seem limitless.
So, how can you figure out which one is best for you?
If you want to use Kodi to stream content, you must look for a service with fast speeds and unlimited bandwidth.
The server network’s size is also important; the greater the locations and server options available, the better.
If you want to watch geo-blocked content on Kodi, you’ll need a VPN with servers in the countries where the content is made.
If you want to watch content from the BBC or Netflix, please ensure your VPN will get around their VPN restrictions.
A free trial or money-back guarantee allows you to try out your VPN before committing to a long-term contract, and a 24/7 instant chat customer service is always useful.
If you value your privacy above everything else, look for a VPN with a no-logs policy and stringent security features including a kill switch and DNS leak detection.
Are Kodi Boxes Illegal?
The use of Kodi boxes is not illegal in and of itself.
They’re just illegal if they arrive with Kodi add-ons already pre-installed.
These Kodi boxes are referred to as fully-loaded Kodi boxes because they come pre-installed with officially sanctioned Kodi add-ons.
Then there are the Android boxes, as well as other types of boxes, that come pre-installed with various third-party Kodi add-ons and are fully prepared to use. These boxes are essentially illegal in the market.
That’s why several Kodi users have begun to advise individuals to educate themselves before buying any of these boxes from online outlets.
Because of the prevalence of these boxes, the European Union’s top court has requested that all fully-loaded Kodi boxes be withdrawn from all markets.
Of course yes, this does not rule out the existence of Kodi boxes.
There are numerous Kodi boxes available.
In reality, there are entire lists of the best Kodi boxes on the internet these days, which can be gotten by mere Google search.
Is Kodi Safe?
In a nutshell, Kodi is absolutely secure to use.
The apps in Kodi’s official repositories are unlikely to trigger any issues.
Third-party add-ons that enable users to view content outside of Kodi’s official add-on repository, on the other hand, can contain spyware or malware which may otherwise harm your computer.
A VPN is the best way to secure yourself and your laptop.
A VPN scrambles your traffic, hides your information from your ISP and government agencies, and protects your sensitive details and computers from third-party add-on security flaws.
In general, if you know what you’re doing, Kodi is a secure platform.
Regrettably, there are risks associated with this, as with any other online operation.
Below is a list of all the most popular risks that might make your Kodi unsafe to use.
1. ISP monitoring
Your Internet Service Provider (ISP) monitors your online activities.
Simply put, it’s that easy.
They have access to the websites you visit, the documents you download, and the videos you watch on the internet.
It makes no difference what program, computer, or app you’re using.
As a result, many users who use common unofficial Kodi addons such as Exodus can receive cease and desist letters from their Internet service provider.
2. Unofficial Kodi addons
In all fairness, the best Kodi addons are indeed the unofficial ones.
These add-ons enable users to view the latest TV shows, blockbusters from Hollywood, and, most pertinently, live sports telecasts.
The major issue is that using an unofficial repository to download these addons will leave you vulnerable.
3. MITM attacks
One of the most serious online dangers is man-in-the-middle assaults.
Someone’s personal details could be compromised if a hacker happens to penetrate the link between you and Kodi.
4. Hackers and scammers
The simple fact that Kodi is a freely downloadable program has both advantages and disadvantages.
XBMC seems to have become a common target for cybercriminals who prey on vulnerable streamers in an effort to seize their personal information.
5. Copyright trolls
There are Kodi add-ons that enable you to access torrent files directly from your device.
The issue is that when you access a torrent file, you are essentially submitting your IP address to the torrent swarm for that file.
Copyright trolls can also monitor your online activity using your IP address.
6. Kodi pre-loaded Android TV boxes and Amazon Fire TV sticks
The official Kodi blog went into great detail on why these Kodi-loaded boxes could be dangerous.
These Television boxes come pre-installed with Kodi.
The problem is that some vendors stuff them with damaged add-ons that may or may not function, or, worst, leave you vulnerable to a variety of security flaws.
It is now also illegal in the United States to sell any of these pre-loaded Kodi TV sets.
7. DDoS attacks
Some malicious scripts can be inserted into addons by addon developers.
Unwitting users of these add-ons can then be converted into botnets that launch DDoS attacks against websites all over the internet.
Exodus, a common add-on, was specifically used in this way.
The TVAddon group has since taken the requisite measures to modify the Exodus addon and make it safe to use.
8. Malicious subtitles
Hackers have been known to use subtitles given by third-party repositories to gain complete control of the computer on which the Kodi app has been mounted.
The XBMC Foundation is conscious of the problems and a new update (Kodi 17.3) has been published to address them.
If you’re nevertheless using an older version of Kodi, we strongly encourage you to update to the most current version.
Can You Get In Trouble for Using Kodi?
Another major question is whether the creators of the controversial add-ons or the individuals who are using them to view copyrighted material without authorization are breaking any laws.
Copyright owners in the United States, the United Kingdom, and elsewhere will undoubtedly say yes.
Although consumers might believe they aren’t breaching copyright laws since they aren’t uploading material but rather watching it online, this isn’t the case for many legal organizations.
In reality, Internet Service Providers are now sending out threatening copyright infringement letters to customers who seem to be streaming illegally on Kodi, most likely as a result of some sort of collaboration with the law enforcement agencies.
These days, ISP monitoring is commonplace.
In addition, a new law in the United States requires ISPs to capture, store, and exchange consumer data with third parties, including websites, visited and content viewed.
The consequences for those watching TV from shady, “pirated” outlets are concerning.
At the very least, you can avoid ISP monitoring and data collection by using a VPN with Kodi to mask your IP address while you’re online.
So, if you use Kodi to stream copyrighted content, would you get in trouble? Yes, to put it succinctly.
The great news is that, under today’s laws, pinpointing the exact offense can be challenging.
Furthermore, identifying violators can be difficult because most developers use aliases, and users who go to great lengths to remain anonymous and secure when using Kodi are virtually undetectable.
When is Kodi Illegal?
Even though Kodi is fully legitimate, it could be used for nefarious activities just like every other computer app such as video downloaders, think torrent clients, and even web browsers.
Let’s take a look at a few of the illegal means to use Kodi software.
1. VPNs
If you’ve done some research on the legitimacy of using Kodi, you’ve probably come across a ubiquitous mantra: use a VPN when using Kodi.
That much seemingly harmless advice can get you in a difficult situation with the law. VPNs are unlawful in countries like Iran, China, and Russia.
We suggest signing up for ExpressVPN or NordVPN if you live in a country where VPNs are legal.
2. Add-Ons
Is it legal to install Kodi Exodus?
A definite “no” is the response.
Exodus is a Kodi add-on that gives you full access to documentaries, movies, TV shows, and other material.
There are several related apps available; some concentrate on on-demand streaming content, while others focus on live television.
All of these add-ons have something in common: they give you access to the information you don’t have a legitimate right to see.
It needs to be noted that no one associated with the Kodi Foundation in an official capacity endorses or supports the illegal add-ons.
Most troubling for end-users is that using the add-ons would not shield you from prosecution.
While the developers of add-ons are the ones that are most at risk, officials have repeatedly cautioned that domestic users may be caught in the crossfire
3. Fully loaded Kodi boxes
Over the last few years, so-called “fully assembled” Kodi boxes have grown in popularity.
On platforms like Gumtree and Craigslist, they’re often marketed.
While there are several different versions of a fully loaded Kodi box, the goal is the same: to allow you to view illegal live TV streams and on-demand content via pre-configured add-ons and other custom functions.
In several Western nations, buying and using fully loaded Kodi boxes is illegal, but there are some legal grey areas associated with the law.
It’s important to distinguish fully loaded Kodi boxes from standard Kodi boxes, which aren’t illegal in any way.
Precautionary Measures for Using Kodi
While Kodi is legal, there are some factors that may raise doubts about its legality.
Authorities from all over the world have pounced on the chance to target the website.
They are not letting any chance pass them by.
Perhaps the aim is to cause panic so that people can avoid using Kodi.
Nonetheless, from all of us at VPNJedi, we can assure you that Kodi is safe to use.
You can always watch all of your favorite shows in one convenient location.
When using Kodi, you should follow the precautionary measures mentioned below.
1. Avoid Third-party Addons
Never use unofficial Kodi add-ons or third-party Kodi add-ons.
Make absolutely sure any Kodi add-on you install is official and legal before you install it.
You can’t take any chances with the Kodi addon because it will determine whether or not Kodi is legal.
2. Use a VPN if supported in your country
When using Kodi, always connect to the internet through a VPN.
Authorities are always on the lookout for offenders.
They might come after you just for using Kodi.
Always use a VPN prior to actually connecting to Kodi in order to remain unnoticeable and anonymous online.
3. Read up the law
It is beneficial to be aware of your country’s internet laws and regulations.
If you’re not acquainted with them, it’s time to do some research.
If you get a legal notice or warning, having a basic understanding will give you an advantage.
Alternatively, you can discover that your country is unconcerned about Kodi and that you can continue to use it as freely as before.
Conclusion
There are a lot of myths about the Kodi system.
Kodi, on the other hand, is not liable for any copyright violation.
However, piracy is not tolerated.
The same cannot be said for individual third-party Kodi add-ons.
Kodi is legal in terms of legal questions.
However, only when it is in its authentic, undoctored state.
The legality of Kodi lies in your hands. It does mean that the legal status of the site is determined by how you use it.
This isn’t rocket science.
You simply need to be cautious when installing Kodi add-ons.
It is legal to install and use Kodi to watch copyrighted content downloaded from legitimate sources.
The free online watching of any copyrighted material is frequently the source of conflict.
You are unlikely to face any fines or punishments as a result of streaming the approved content as a user.
Those who sell, distribute, or encourage pirated material or means to provide access to such content, on the other hand, are in direct breach of the laws and could face harsh penalties and prison sentences.
Copyright infringement is not tolerated by VPNJedi, and we recommend that you watch free content found only in the public domain.