Cloudflare takes on Italy to keep internet 'free, open, and secure'
The article describes Cloudflare’s legal challenge against Italy after being fined about $17 million for not complying with the country’s anti piracy system known as “Piracy Shield.”
Italy’s regulator (AGCOM) requires internet infrastructure providers to block access to websites accused of hosting pirated content within 30 minutes of notification. The law applies not only to ISPs but also to DNS and VPN providers like Cloudflare.
Cloudflare refused to comply, arguing that the requirement would force it to filter internet traffic at a fundamental level, which could harm performance, break core internet architecture, and potentially lead to global censorship beyond Italy.
The company also criticizes the system as lacking transparency and due process. According to Cloudflare, blocking decisions can be triggered by private rights holders without judicial oversight, and there is no clear way for affected websites to challenge removals.
Another major concern is overblocking. Because many websites share the same IP infrastructure, blocking one target can unintentionally take down thousands of legitimate sites, which has already happened in some cases.
Cloudflare argues the fine is disproportionate and improperly calculated based on global revenue rather than its Italian business. It has appealed the penalty and is also challenging the legality of the Piracy Shield framework itself in court and at the EU level.
The case highlights a broader conflict between enforcing copyright laws and maintaining an open, global internet, with Cloudflare positioning itself as defending internet freedom against what it views as excessive state control.
