Cloudflare CEO Matthew Prince has raised alarm over LaLiga’s efforts to combat football piracy, warning that the strategy of blocking entire websites through ISPs is causing severe collateral damage. Prince criticized the approach as ‘bonkers,’ highlighting that it risks blocking critical websites such as emergency services, thereby endangering lives. He emphasized that the current method of broad blocking is ineffective and could result in tragic consequences if it continues.
Despite LaLiga’s claims of responsibility, Prince urged the organization to utilize the existing process for content protection, suggesting it is not a refusal to help but a failure to adhere to the proper procedures. He expressed hope that policy makers and courts would take action to prevent such a crisis, emphasizing the need for users to engage with politicians to ensure the situation is addressed before it’s too late.
In a recent post on X, Prince asked for general feedback, indicating his desire to share his thoughts on the matter. The first response he received directly questioned LaLiga’s actions, with the blame for the blocking campaign falling squarely on Cloudflare. This prompted Prince to weigh in on the current situation and its potential consequences. He warned that it is only a matter of time before a Spanish citizen cannot access a life-saving emergency resource due to the overblocking, emphasizing the severity of the potential impact.
Prince’s comments come as LaLiga continues to push for the blocking of websites associated with football piracy. While the organization maintains that it is solely responsible for the blocking campaign, Prince’s warning underscores the real-world consequences of such broad measures. He called for the use of existing processes that allow rights holders to work with judicial bodies to protect their content, rather than resorting to mass blocking. His concern is that without intervention, the current approach could lead to tragic outcomes, with the potential for lives to be lost due to the unintended consequences of the blocking strategy.