Europe is cracking down on website piracy by targeting an internet tool used by millions of people without their knowledge. Google, Cloudflare, and OpenDNS are being forced to block access to certain illegal sites. But everyone applies these blocks in their own way, with very different consequences for Internet users.
On the Internet, access to sites goes through an invisible system that almost no one notices. This service translates web addresses typed into the browser into a language that computers understand. Without it, no site opens. And today, this technical link is becoming a control tool.
In France, Belgium, and Italy, the judicial system requires certain services to block access to sites accused of piracy. These services, called "DNS resolvers," are offered by companies like Google, Cloudflare, and OpenDNS. They are often used without us realizing it, especially when trying to bypass the usual blocks. But faced with judicial orders, each of these giants adopts a very different strategy.
Web giants adopt opposing strategies when it comes to blocking pirated sites
OpenDNS, a service managed by Cisco, has chosen the most radical method. Rather than filtering the affected sites, the company has decided to completely disable its service in the affected countries. This means that in France and Belgium, it is no longer possible to use it, even for legitimate sites. This choice avoids having to modify its operation, but deprives all local users of access.
Cloudflare, for its part, enforces the decisions by redirecting Internet users to a specific error message, HTTP code 451. This clearly indicates that a site is blocked for legal reasons. The company claims not to directly modify its DNS service, but uses other technical means to comply with the rules.
Google takes a much more discreet approach. Its DNS service (8.8.8.8) also blocks the targeted sites, but without warning the user. The site simply doesn't load, suggesting a technical problem. This method, deemed not transparent, does not always meet the clarity requirements imposed by some courts.
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