UK blocks hundreds of piracy streaming sites

Cloudflare takes action against illegal streaming sites in the UK.

UK blocks hundreds of piracy streaming sites

Cloudflare has begun blocking access to many pirate streaming websites in the UK. This move follows a legal order likely orchestrated by the Motion Picture Association. Around 200 domains face these restrictions. Pirate streaming involves watching copyrighted content without proper permissions. Users of these sites may now encounter an HTTP 451 error, which indicates that the site is breaking the law. Major internet service providers like Sky, BT, and Virgin Media are already blocking these sites as part of ongoing efforts to combat piracy. Furthermore, Cloudflare has introduced geo-blocking, making it nearly impossible for users in the UK to bypass these restrictions even with Virtual Private Networks.

This crackdown reflects a growing concern about rampant piracy in the UK. While cost and availability are major drivers of illegal streaming, blocking these sites raises important questions about digital rights and access. Many individuals in the YouGov survey indicated that they resort to piracy when official content is expensive or unavailable. As enforcement intensifies, the challenge will be balancing legal access with the legitimate needs of consumers. The tech behind this blockade shows how quickly laws and enforcement can adapt to modern piracy techniques, hinting at a more complex future for digital consumption.

Highlights

The long-term impact on consumer behavior remains to be seen as enforcement tightens.