Google advises the European Commission that 'blocking pirated sites with DNS resolvers, VPNs, and shared IP addresses will cause significant damage.'
The article reports that Google has urged the European Commission to avoid broad website-blocking measures in its review of EU copyright enforcement, warning that requiring DNS resolvers, VPNs and shared IP addresses to block pirate websites could cause significant collateral damage to the wider internet. Google argues that while targeted anti-piracy measures can be appropriate, overly broad blocking risks disrupting lawful services and undermining internet security.
Google’s position was outlined in a formal submission to the European Commission’s ongoing consultation on improving the EU copyright framework. The company argues that intermediaries such as public DNS resolvers, VPN providers and operators of shared IP infrastructure are not responsible for hosting infringing content and should therefore not be required to implement blocking orders. According to Google, these services are essential internet infrastructure whose disruption would affect millions of legitimate users.
Rather than opposing site blocking altogether, Google supports targeted, proportionate and transparent injunctions aimed directly at clearly identified pirate websites. It argues that blocking orders should be limited in scope and duration, subject to judicial oversight, and designed to minimize unintended consequences. Google also recommends that implementation costs be shared fairly between rights holders and intermediaries.
The company further contends that consumer demand remains one of the main drivers of piracy. Instead of relying primarily on technical blocking measures, Google argues that expanding the availability, affordability and quality of legal digital services is a more effective long-term strategy for reducing copyright infringement. In its view, enforcement should be combined with market-based solutions that encourage users to choose legitimate content.
The article notes that Google’s submission comes as site-blocking legislation is gaining momentum in both Europe and the United States. Several European countries already require blocking of pirate sites, while U.S. lawmakers are actively considering similar measures. Google’s comments are therefore significant because they could influence future regulatory approaches on both sides of the Atlantic.
The article concludes that the debate reflects the ongoing challenge of balancing effective copyright enforcement with internet openness and technical neutrality. While rights holders continue to push for broader blocking powers to combat online piracy, Google maintains that enforcement should remain carefully targeted to avoid harming legitimate online services and internet infrastructure.
