Tech

Cloudflare Defies Italy's Piracy Shield, Won't Block Websites on 1.1.1.1 DNS

AC
Alex Chen
Tech Journalist & Product Reviewer
Cloudflare defies Italy’s Piracy Shield, won’t block websites on 1.1.1.1 DNS
Image source: Ars Technica

Cloudflare, a leading content delivery network (CDN), has defied Italy's Piracy Shield by refusing to block websites on its 1.1.1.1 DNS service. This move comes after Italy fined Cloudflare 14 million euros for not blocking pirate sites on the service.

The Piracy Shield is a law that requires internet service providers (ISPs) and CDNs to block access to websites that infringe on copyright. However, Cloudflare has decided to defy this law, citing concerns about censorship and the impact on free speech.

Cloudflare's CEO, Matthew Prince, stated that the company will not comply with the Piracy Shield, as it believes that blocking websites is not an effective way to combat piracy. Instead, Prince argues that education and awareness are key to reducing piracy.

The move by Cloudflare has sparked a heated debate about the role of CDNs in combating piracy and the balance between copyright protection and free speech. While some argue that Cloudflare's decision is a blow to copyright holders, others see it as a victory for internet freedom.

The Italian government has threatened to take action against Cloudflare, but the company remains committed to its stance. As the debate continues, one thing is clear: Cloudflare's decision has sent shockwaves through the tech industry and has raised important questions about the role of CDNs in the digital age.

Sources

[2] Cloudflare defies Italy’s Piracy Shield, won’t block websites on 1.1.1.1 DNS