Telefónica manages to extend dynamic blocks to the Champions League, tennis, golf and more sports competitions

Telefónica Audiovisual Digital, the division of the operator in charge of the platform Movistar Plus+, has achieved a new judicial resolution that allows you to apply dynamic blocks on the Internet against the illegal dissemination of content. This measure not only affects football, but also other sports and audiovisual content, expanding the scope of the restrictions on the Spanish network.

The legal support is based on the Sentence No. 310/2024 of the Commercial Court No. 6 of Barcelonawhich authorizes the blocking of IP addresses, domains and URLs used to distribute content protected by intellectual property rights without authorization.

A court ruling allows IPs, domains and URLs to be blocked dynamically

The resolution, issued on December 18, 2024estimates the claim presented by the National Professional Football League (LaLiga) and Telefónica Audiovisual Digital, SLU against several operators. Among them are Telefónica de España, Vodafone, DIGI and MásOrangewho must collaborate in the execution of the blockades.

The court ruling establishes the immediate cessation of access to the IP addresses involved in the illegal distribution of content. In addition, it authorizes the implementation of dynamic measures that allow the lists of infringing sites to be periodically updated to prevent new violations of audiovisual rights.

The measure extends beyond football to other sports and content

The ruling recognizes that LaLiga owns the marketing rights for the First and Second Division competitions, while Movistar Plus+ exploits a wide range of sports and entertainment content. These include the Champions Leaguethe Europa Leaguethe NBAthe Formula 1he MotoGPtennis tournaments and golf competitions.

This judicial authorization will allow blocking to be applied during the broadcast of live events, extending its reach to new sports competitions and audiovisual content, with the aim of combating digital piracy.

Apple’s ECH protocol and Private Relay complicate traditional locks

One of the key aspects of the procedure is the emergence of technologies that make the fight against piracy more difficult. Technical reports presented in the process indicate that the protocol Encrypted Client Hello (ECH)implemented by companies such as Google and Cloudflare, encrypts web traffic and prevents inspection of domains and URLs by Internet providers.

Likewise, tools like Apple Private Relayintegrated into iCloud+, complicate the application of traditional locks. These technologies require more advanced measures, such as blocking IP addresses and dynamic monitoring of offending services.

Dynamic blocks to combat audiovisual piracy in Spain

The court ruling authorizes the monitoring of blocked IP addresses and the identification of new successor IPs. In this way, the continuous updating of the lists of offending sites is allowed during the celebration of sporting events, guaranteeing the effectiveness of the measures adopted.

According to the ruling, these actions are proportionate and necessary to protect intellectual property rights. Furthermore, the court considers that they constitute a quick and effective mechanism to stop the illegal dissemination of content on the Internet.

A legal framework that will mark the future of Internet blocks in Spain

This judicial resolution has become the legal basis for the blocks applied in Spain against audiovisual piracy. The ruling allows rights holders to act directly against Internet access providers, without the need to previously identify the infringers.

With this legal support, dynamic blocks are consolidated as a key tool in the fight against the illegal distribution of content, although they continue to generate debate due to their possible collateral effects on legitimate services and network neutrality.