Cyprus piracy enforcement under scrutiny as EU report highlights blocking gaps

Nicosia, Cyprus. A European Parliament report released this week has renewed scrutiny of Cyprus’ capacity to combat illegal streaming online, highlighting substantial differences in website-blocking procedures across EU countries. The briefing says some countries can take action within 30 minutes.

Different approaches to blocking illegal streams

The European Parliamentary Research Service (EPRS), which produced the briefing, found that enforcement across the EU remains fragmented, even as pressure increases to curb unauthorised broadcasts and safeguard copyright owners.

The briefing centres on dynamic blocking injunctions. These enable internet providers to restrict access to additional websites or internet addresses distributing content already ruled illegal, rather than seeking another court order for each new address.

The report highlights the importance of these measures for live sport: operators of illegal streams can switch websites in minutes, potentially outpacing the authorities’ response.

Questions over procedures in Cyprus

The findings raise the question of whether Cyprus’ current enforcement processes can respond quickly enough.

Cypriot copyright law allows courts to grant injunctions targeting internet intermediaries when their services facilitate copyright infringement. However, the latest briefing does not list Cyprus among countries with a specific framework for dynamic blocking.

A 2021 assessment from the European Audiovisual Observatory had also highlighted concerns about delays in securing court orders in Cyprus, especially for unauthorised live sports streams. That assessment does not determine whether changes made since then have resolved those concerns.

Legislation and court rulings elsewhere

According to the briefing, Belgium, France, Greece and Italy have expressly incorporated dynamic blocking injunctions into national legislation.

Ireland, Spain and the Netherlands, by contrast, have established comparable mechanisms using existing legislation and judicial decisions. The briefing identifies particularly marked differences between countries in how enforcement operates.