The Motion Picture Association (MPA) is urging European countries to implement automated systems that can block piracy websites in real-time, without needing court approval. The organization, representing major entertainment giants like Netflix, Disney, and Warner Bros., argues that current methods of fighting online piracy are too slow and inconsistent across the European Union.
Automated Blocking Systems for Faster Piracy Response
In its submission to the European Commission, the MPA emphasized the need for automated systems that would allow copyright holders to block piracy sites instantly. Currently, European countries implement piracy blocking laws inconsistently, with some nations, like Germany, Poland, and Bulgaria, failing to adopt measures that have been available for over two decades.
In Germany, for instance, copyright holders are required to identify piracy site operators before they can request blocks, creating unnecessary hurdles. The MPA’s proposed solution is to introduce real-time dynamic blocking systems, similar to those already in use in countries like Italy, Greece, Portugal, and Brazil.
These systems would allow for automatic updates to piracy blocklists, making it easier to address new piracy sites without going through lengthy court procedures. This solution is seen as particularly necessary for live sports content and IPTV streams, where the economic value of broadcasts diminishes once events are over.
Pressure on VPNs and Content Delivery Networks (CDNs)
The MPA is also targeting VPN providers and content delivery networks (CDNs) like Cloudflare. The group argues that these companies have the technical means to implement blocking measures at an infrastructure level, and should be held accountable for assisting in the fight against online piracy.
Additionally, the MPA is pushing for expanded “Know Your Business Customer” (KYBC) rules, which would require hosting providers, CDNs, and other online intermediaries to verify the identity of their business clients. Currently, these verification rules only apply to online marketplaces under the Digital Services Act.
Industry Support for Stronger Enforcement
Other entertainment companies echo the MPA’s calls for stronger enforcement measures. For example, DAZN criticized the Digital Services Act for not doing enough to target VPN providers and server hosts that facilitate piracy. Broadcasting companies have similarly called for hosting providers and payment services to take more decisive action against illegal content.
In addition to these measures, these organizations advocate for faster “Right of Information” requests to help identify piracy operators more swiftly. The faster the identification process, they argue, the more effective the enforcement.
Final Thoughts: A Focus on Affordability Over Enforcement
While the MPA continues to push for complex technical solutions like automated blocking systems and increased pressure on VPN providers, some critics argue that the focus should instead be on addressing the root cause of piracy: high subscription costs and the fragmented availability of content. As streaming services become increasingly expensive and difficult to navigate, many consumers turn to piracy as an alternative.
Rather than pouring resources into technical enforcement tools, some suggest that the entertainment industry should focus on offering more affordable, user-friendly services that meet consumer demands.
