Canal+ secures injunctions to block football piracy and VPN access in France

The Tribunal de Paris has issued 14 injunctions aimed at combating the illegal streaming of football competitions. These measures, sought by the broadcaster Canal+, target connection providers, DNS services, search engines, and several prominent Virtual Private Network (VPN) providers.

Specifically, the orders require VPN services including Proton VPN, CyberGhost, and ExpressVPN to actively collaborate in blocking access to unauthorized streaming sites. The crackdown covers major football properties, including the French Ligue 1, the English Premier League, and the UEFA Champions League.

The legal action targets over 70 pirate websites. This expansion of enforcement measures marks a shift in strategy, moving beyond simple website blocking to involving tools typically used to ensure user privacy and bypass geographic restrictions.