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Spanish Court Orders NordVPN and Proton VPN to Block LaLiga Piracy IPs

The ex parte, non-appealable measures classify VPNs as intermediaries under EU digital-services rules.

Overview

  • Commercial Court No. 1 of Córdoba granted precautionary orders directing NordVPN and Proton VPN to make a dynamic list of 16 IP addresses inaccessible from Spain immediately.
  • The applications were brought by LaLiga and broadcasting partner Telefónica Audiovisual Digital, with the court requiring preservation of digital evidence of alleged unlawful streams.
  • LaLiga says the rulings confirm VPN services fall under the EU Digital Services Regulation as technological intermediaries with duties to curb infringement.
  • Both VPNs say they were not notified of proceedings and have not received the judgments, questioning due process and the practicality of IP or domain blocking.
  • Implementation details remain unsettled, with providers warning blocks are easily bypassed and noting the move follows a 2025 French order imposing similar obligations on VPNs.