New movies are released almost every week, trailers flood social media, and the temptation to watch them instantly is real. When you see an app promising free movies and shows without subscriptions, it feels like an easy win. But here’s the uncomfortable truth many people are ignoring. Using piracy apps like Pikashow can land you in serious trouble—financially, legally, and digitally. The government has now stepped in with a clear warning, and it’s something every smartphone user should take seriously.
Government Warns Against Free Movie Apps
Cyber Dost I4C, working under the Ministry of Home Affairs, has put out a clear message. They posted on X saying:
“Don’t put your data and security at risk out of greed for ‘free movies’. Watching pirated content from unknown apps can put you at cyber risk and legal trouble. Install thoughtfully. Piracy is a Crime.”
This isn’t just talk. They mean it.
What Makes These Apps So Dangerous?
1. Your Phone Gets Infected
Apps like Pikashow don’t just give you movies. They also install malware and spyware on your phone. You won’t even notice it happening. Those programs then sit quietly on your device, watching everything you do.
2. They Can Empty Your Bank Account
Here’s the scary part. These apps can steal your banking passwords, UPI PINs, and credit card details. Cyber Dost I4C says millions of people are already at risk. Some users have actually lost all their money after installing these apps.
These apps get access to:
- Your bank login details
- Passwords
- Credit card numbers
- UPI PIN codes
Your Personal Stuff Isn’t Safe Either
Besides money, these apps grab your contacts, photos, messages, and even track where you go. Everything on your phone becomes available to whoever made that app.
You Could Face Legal Action
Many people don’t know this; using piracy apps is actually a crime in India. The Copyright Act is clear about it. If caught, you could face:
- Criminal charges
- Heavy fines
- Up to three years in jail
- A criminal record that stays with you
Cyber Dost I4C specifically mentioned that users can face legal action, not just the people who make these apps.
How The Trap Works
Look, paying for streaming isn’t that expensive, especially compared to losing your savings:
- Netflix
- Prime Video
- JioHotstar
- Zee5
- SonyLIV
- YouTube (has free movies with ads)
A subscription costs maybe ₹200–₹500 per month. Recovering from banking fraud? That could cost you lakhs.
Already Installed The App? Do This Now
- Delete it immediately
- Change all your passwords, especially for banks
- Turn on two-factor authentication
- Check your bank statements
- Run an antivirus scan
- If possible, reset your phone
Warning Signs
Watch out for apps that:
- Aren’t on the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store
- Want access to your SMS, contacts, and files
- Ask you to turn off security settings
- Need payment details even though they’re free
- Have no real company names or addresses
Conclusion
People download these apps thinking they’re saving money. What nobody tells them is that they’re basically handing over the keys to their bank accounts, personal data, and digital life.
The most dangerous part is how smooth the trap feels. The app works fine at first. You watch movies. Nothing feels wrong. Then one day, your bank balance disappears. By the time you realise what happened, the damage is already done.
A few hundred rupees for a legal subscription is nothing compared to the stress, loss, and legal trouble that piracy apps can bring. Free movies aren’t free when the cost is everything on your phone.
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