Showbox app not working – has the movie and TV streaming service shut down permanently?
THE Showbox app, which offers a free but controversial way to watch TV shows and films, has not been working for several days.
For the past week, users have received error messages when trying to use the app and there has been no clear indication as to whether the app has shut down for good.
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Showbox allows users to watch films and TV on the goCredit: Getty - Contributor Has the movie and TV streaming service been shut down?The status of the app is currently shrouded in mystery.
People who have tried to open the app have reported they get an error message.
The message reads: "Connection error. Check your internet connection!"
There has been no indication whether or not the connection failure is permanent or just a temporary glitch.
Some users who claim to have inside knowledge have said Showbox is "going through a bug fix" and the service will resume soon.
Others have said Showbox has been closed down because of ongoing legal issues.
MovieBox, a similar streaming app for iOS, was recently shut down.
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Showbox appears to still be down What is Showbox?Showbox is an Android app for phones and tablets, which can also be used on desktop PCs.
It provides a platform for streaming films and TV shows that it does not necessarily have the rights to.
Content from other streaming services such as Netflix and Hulu can be accessed through the app, either by peer-to-peer sharing or from "torrents" - pirated content aggregators.
It operates in a legal grey area. While downloading copyrighted material without permission is illegal, experts say the law is less clear on streaming.
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Nevertheless lawyers for TV and film distributors have bombarded Showbox and other services with complaints and lawsuits and tried to get them shut down.
Showbox works in a similar way to Popcorn Time.
Popcorn Time has come under pressure from Hollywood over its film streaming service but it has continually popped back up at different addresses.