Google’s Warning to EU: Blocking Piracy Sites Risks Internet Stability
Google’s warning came as the EU considered stricter anti-piracy measures.
Technical Risks of DNS and IP Blocks
A Google spokesperson highlighted the dangers of targeting shared infrastructure. Blocking DNS services like its public resolver (8.8.8.8) or IP addresses—used by both illegal and legal platforms—could disrupt essential services. “If one of these is blocked, alternative services can be used to bypass the block,” the document quoted the spokesperson as saying.
The company pointed to a 2019 incident in Portugal, where ISPs blocked Google-hosted virtual IP addresses. This action disrupted Google Cloud and other critical services, affecting users who shared the same IP ranges. “Blocking these services doesn’t remove the content from the platforms at all,” the document noted.
Portugal’s 2019 DNS Blockage Disrupted Google Services
The Portuguese case underscored Google’s concerns.
Pirate Bay’s 2012 Block Spurred Bypass Tactics
Historical examples support Google’s stance. When the UK blocked The Pirate Bay in 2012, users quickly shifted to proxies and mirror sites.
Streaming Services’ Mixed Impact on Piracy
Google acknowledged that affordable streaming platforms like Netflix and Spotify reduced piracy in some regions. However, recent trends complicate this narrative. “Netflix has increased prices and introduced ads, making it a less appealing proposition,” the document stated.
EU Policy Dilemma: Enforcement vs. Access
The debate reflects broader tensions over internet governance.
As the tech landscape evolves, blocking measures remain controversial. Google’s position highlights the challenges of addressing piracy through technical restrictions alone.