La Liga lands knockout blow against piracy with landmark VPN ruling
Spanish courts grant La Liga and Telefónica immediate measures against NordVPN and ProtonVPN in groundbreaking anti-piracy case that could change how we stream football.
Spanish football’s battle against illegal streaming takes a massive step forward as courts crack down on VPN services enabling piracy.
Landmark ruling targets VPN providers
Spanish courts have delivered what could be a game-changing decision in the fight against football piracy, granting La Liga and Telefónica Audiovisual Digital (TAD) immediate precautionary measures against NordVPN and ProtonVPN.
The Commercial Court of Córdoba has recognized these VPN providers as technological intermediaries with responsibility in the piracy process of La Liga matches. It’s a proper result for the league’s anti-piracy efforts and potentially a watershed moment in how illegal streaming is tackled globally.
What this means in practice
- Both VPN companies must immediately implement measures to block IP addresses identified by La Liga and Telefónica as sources of illegal broadcasts
- The ruling has a dynamic character, meaning it can adapt to new piracy methods
- There’s no possibility of appeal against these measures
- The court explicitly recognizes VPN services fall under the European Digital Services Regulation
Why VPNs are in the firing line
The court identified VPN systems as “extremely effective and accessible” tools for accessing geo-restricted content by masking users’ real locations. In a particularly damning assessment, the ruling highlighted how these companies even advertise their services as “excellent for avoiding restrictions” - bit of a own goal there from the VPN providers.
These measures aim to prevent these service providers from helping Spanish users circumvent access restrictions to certain websites that Spanish judicial authorities have already blocked.
Pioneering anti-piracy approach
These judicial resolutions are unprecedented in Spain and pioneering worldwide due to their dynamic nature. They join similar rulings in France, where VPN responsibility in audiovisual fraud has also been recognized.
La Liga continues to position itself as a global leader in the fight against audiovisual fraud, showing proper commitment to protecting the broadcasting rights that are absolutely crucial to clubs’ financial health. For football fans who pay their hard-earned cash for legitimate subscriptions, it’s a step toward leveling the playing field against those watching for free.