Disputed claims that using Kodi media player to stream TV, films and live sports can keep you safe online

The software lets you avoid malware, popups and potentially harmful adverts, the site argues

Kodi is legal, but can be used to illegally access copyrighted content with the aid of third-party addons (Kodi)

Using a media player like Kodi could help people stay safe when streaming content online, according to TVAddons, a popular repository for Kodi software extensions.

The site says that anyone determined to pirate TV shows, films and live sports can avoid a whole host of online threats, such as malware and popups, by using Kodi add-ons instead of regular streaming websites.

They also let you avoid potentially harmful adverts, which are common on streaming sites and are designed to persuade you to click on dodgy links. However, security experts say otherwise.

While Kodi is perfectly legal software, it can be used to illegally access copyrighted content for free, with the aid of add-ons created by third-party developers.

“By streaming through Kodi add-ons, you’re effectively bypassing all forms of monetization and advertising; this includes the latest form of malware known as crypto-jacking, by which cryptocurrency is mined from your web browser without your consent,” TVAddons wrote in a blog post.

“Anyone who’s ever tried streaming the latest TV show online has probably experienced popups, viruses and G-d knows what else.”

According to a report published in September, the people behind pirate websites sometimes let criminals plant malware on their sites in exchange for money, with the content simply being used as bait to hook in as many potential victims as possible.

Any user data they manage to get their hands on, such as financial information, can then be sold online.

Pirate Kodi add-ons, on the other hand, offer users the content without any of the adverts and pop-ups that come along with it on streaming sites.

“At the end of the day, you’re definitely far safer streaming through Kodi add-ons as opposed to visiting sketchy online streaming sites in your web browser,” the TVAddons blog post adds.

However, the best way to stay safe online could simply be by avoiding illegal streaming channels altogether.

“It’s very misleading to say that people are defending themselves from cybersecurity threats by using media players such as Kodi instead of illegal streaming websites,” Raj Samani, chief scientist at McAfee, told The Independent.

“Bad add-ons can spread malicious software just as easily as ads that you click on online; an issue we know Kodi is not proactively tackling.

“There are security risks associated with all platforms and connected devices, and if the network or device itself isn’t secured properly you can be exposed to threats. Cybersecurity risks aside, our advice is to stick to legal streaming channels and catch up services.”

Experts recently warned that a number of popular “Kodi boxes”, which tend to be created on the cheap, can pose serious safety risks, and urged users to unplug them immediately. However, it is possible to access Kodi safely.