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Spain's Parliament Moves to Curb LaLiga's IP Blocking Overreach

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Spain's parliament is set to address the fallout from LaLiga's aggressive anti-piracy measures, which have inadvertently disrupted legitimate online services. The Chamber of Deputies approved a non-legislative initiative to reform the Digital Services Act, aiming to prevent indiscriminate IP blocking by judicial rulings. This follows months of complaints about services like the Transporta’m platform being blocked during football matches, leaving citizens without access to critical infrastructure data. The proposal, backed by ERC, PSOE, and allies, emphasizes technological proportionality and third-party protections, though PP and Vox opposed it.

The reform seeks to balance anti-piracy efforts with freedom of expression and digital innovation. ERC’s Inés Granollers criticized how court orders have targeted public services, including a geolocation app used by a dementia patient’s caregiver. The initiative also calls for better coordination to avoid collateral damage to unrelated platforms. While the vote isn’t binding, it sets a framework for future amendments, reflecting growing pressure to regulate judicial overreach in digital spaces.

PP lawmakers proposed amendments to make IP blocking more selective, focusing on shared infrastructure providers. However, ERC’s Granollers stressed the need for “clear rules” to prevent private interests from dictating internet functionality. The debate highlights tensions between rights holders and digital rights advocates, with the proposed changes signaling a shift toward more nuanced enforcement.

Technical reforms in the Digital Services Act could reshape how platforms handle piracy claims, prioritizing precision over blanket measures. This development underscores Spain’s role in shaping EU-wide digital policy as the Digital Services Act evolves. Citizens and businesses alike await concrete steps to prevent similar disruptions.