After internet service providers and DNS resolvers, it's VPNs' turn to be subjected to the legal wringer. Canal+ and the Professional Football League (LFP) have obtained an unprecedented decision from the Paris judicial court: several VPN services will now have to prevent their French users from accessing a list of 200 websites offering streams of sports competitions broadcast without authorization.
Canal+ and the LFP win their case
The hearing was held on April 29 and the decision, revealed by L’Informé, ruled in favor of the rights holders. The judges ruled that VPNs are "technical intermediaries" within the meaning of Article L. 333-10 of the French Sports Code, which requires them to actively cooperate to prevent infringements of broadcasting rights.
ExpressVPN, NordVPN, CyberGhost, Surfshark, and ProtonVPN are directly affected. They have three days after notification of the judgment to implement the necessary blocking measures. The sites targeted include well-known names in illegal streaming such as Rojadirecta, StreamEast, LiveTV, and CricHD. The content concerned covers a wide range of competitions: Premier League, Champions League, Ligue 1 and 2, Top 14, and Trophée des Champions.
This is the first time that a court ruling has required VPNs to block access to pirate sites from French territory. Until now, these services were generally spared this type of obligation, as they are not considered directly responsible for the piracy. The court nevertheless broadened its interpretation of the role of "intermediary," requiring VPN providers to filter sites flagged by the courts or, in the future, by Arcom.
This extension of the case law marks an important step in the fight against online sports piracy. While some VPNs attempt to circumvent the obligation, for example by withdrawing their services from the French market, the question of the actual effectiveness of the blocking remains open.
The companies targeted can appeal the decision, but this does not suspend its application. In other words, they will have to comply even if an appeal is filed.
On the VPN side, the response is being organized. NordVPN confirmed that it has read the judgment. In a statement sent to the press, the service stated that this decision will have "a negative impact on digital security in France." The company says it is "evaluating all possible options" to remain within the law while respecting its commitments to privacy and digital freedom.
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