Blizzard's Stance: Blizzard Entertainment, the company behind World of Warcraft, has consistently maintained that hosting or playing on private servers is a violation of their terms of service. They argue that it infringes on their intellectual property rights.
Legal Action: Blizzard has taken legal action against some private server operators in the past, leading to server shutdowns and legal battles.
Gray Area: While Blizzard's position is clear, the legal status of private servers may vary by jurisdiction. Some argue that as long as no profit is being made from the servers, and they don't infringe directly on Blizzard's profits, they may operate in a legal gray area.
Risks: Players who use private servers should be aware that there are potential risks, including account bans and legal consequences, although these are relatively rare.
In summary, the legality of WoW private servers is a contentious issue, and it's important for players to be aware of the potential risks and consequences. Blizzard's terms of service make it clear that they do not endorse or support wow private servers. If you choose to play on such servers, it's essential to do so with caution and understanding of the potential legal and account-related risks involved.