The Motion Picture Association (MPA) has stepped up its criticism of VPN services, accusing them of enabling online piracy. In a recent statement, the MPA claimed that VPN providers, along with reverse proxy services, content delivery networks (CDNs), and hosting platforms, play a key role in supporting piracy operations. This stance comes amid a wider effort by major entertainment companies like Netflix, Disney, and Warner Bros. Discovery to combat unauthorized streaming.
VPNs are widely used to bypass geo-restrictions, giving users access to content not available in their regions. While many people use VPNs for privacy and security, the MPA argues that piracy networks exploit these services to hide illegal streaming activities.
The association is calling for closer cooperation between VPN providers and copyright holders. It suggests that VPNs should block access to piracy-related websites. This idea follows similar legal actions in France, where VPN providers were ordered to block 203 illegal streaming sites.
So far, no major VPN companies have responded to the MPA’s demands. Since VPNs promote themselves as privacy-focused services, they are unlikely to comply. However, growing pressure from broadcasters and regulators could lead to stricter laws or legal challenges soon.
The European Commission plans to evaluate piracy-related policies by November 2025. This could lead to new restrictions or enforcement actions against VPNs. If the MPA’s suggestions gain support, VPN providers might have to adopt automated systems to block illegal content, like those already used in Italy, Greece, Portugal, and Brazil.
VPNs remain crucial tools for online privacy and security, but their future as unrestricted services is uncertain. The entertainment industry’s push for real-time piracy prevention may force VPN providers to change their policies. Whether this signals the end of free VPN use or just a new phase in the digital rights battle is yet to be seen.
