The digital landscape of 2022 saw a massive surge in the popularity of third-party streaming platforms, with emerging as one of the most frequented hubs for cinema enthusiasts . Despite the proliferation of official streaming services, sites like 9kmovies maintained a massive user base by offering high-definition content ranging from Bollywood blockbusters to Hollywood's latest releases.

These sites often use aggressive advertising. Clicking on buttons or links can trigger "drive-by downloads" of malware, spyware, or ransomware.