LaLiga’s anti-piracy measures inadvertently block legitimate websites

On August 11, 2026, LaLiga’s ongoing efforts to combat online piracy have once again led to the unintended blocking of legitimate websites. This incident has reignited debates over the effectiveness and collateral damage of such anti-piracy measures.

LaLiga’s Recent Anti-Piracy Actions Lead to Unintended Website Blockages

In its latest attempt to curb unauthorized streaming of football matches, LaLiga implemented measures that resulted in the blocking of several legitimate websites. These actions have affected numerous businesses and individuals who rely on these platforms for their daily operations.

Historical Context: Previous Incidents of Overblocking

This is not the first time LaLiga’s anti-piracy initiatives have led to unintended consequences. In February 2025, the organization obtained a court order allowing them to compel internet service providers to block access to IP addresses associated with Cloudflare, a content delivery network. This action inadvertently disrupted access to numerous legitimate websites and services within Spain. Affected entities included football clubs like Valencia and Girona, as well as the streaming platform Movistar Plus+. Cloudflare and cybersecurity group RootedCON filed legal actions to overturn the order, but the Commercial Court No. 6 of Barcelona dismissed these challenges in March 2025, stating that no evidence was presented to show that blocking caused any damage.

Legal Framework Supporting LaLiga’s Actions

LaLiga’s authority to request such blockages stems from a December 2024 court ruling by Commercial Court No. 6 of Barcelona. This ruling permitted LaLiga to request the blocking of certain IP addresses used to illegally distribute its audiovisual content. The court’s decision was based on evidence provided by LaLiga’s anti-piracy department, which demonstrated the illicit nature of the activities associated with the reported domains and subdomains.

Impact on Legitimate Businesses and Services

The unintended blocking of legitimate websites has had significant repercussions for businesses and services that rely on online platforms. Companies using Cloudflare’s services experienced disruptions, leading to operational challenges and financial losses. The Spanish Royal Academy (RAE) also reported issues with their online presence due to these blockages. In response, LaLiga provided a contact email for affected parties to report issues, aiming to address and resolve legitimate concerns.

Responses from Affected Parties and Industry Experts

Cloudflare criticized LaLiga’s actions, arguing that the IP blocks disproportionately affected legitimate users and non-infringing websites. The company emphasized the importance of balancing anti-piracy efforts with the rights of millions of consumers to access the open internet. Cybersecurity experts have warned that such broad blocking measures compromise net neutrality and can be likened to “blocking an entire highway just because one car is carrying illegal goods.”

LaLiga’s Stance and Justification

Javier Tebas, president of LaLiga, defended the organization’s actions by accusing Cloudflare of collaborating with piracy by refusing to block sites identified as infringers. LaLiga argued that their measures are necessary to protect intellectual property rights and the integrity of their broadcasts. They also stated that the collateral damage to legitimate websites is an unfortunate but unavoidable consequence in the fight against online piracy. As of now, the situation remains unresolved, with affected parties seeking remedies and LaLiga continuing its anti-piracy efforts. The balance between protecting intellectual property and ensuring access to legitimate online services continues to be a contentious issue.

This article is based on information from public sources available at the time of publication.