The Piracy Shield, a new anti-piracy system implemented by Italy's communications regulator AGCOM, has drawn scrutiny from the European Commission. Its speed is remarkable; websites deemed suspicious can be blacklisted within 30 minutes. This rapid response is particularly valuable for sports rights holders, where swift action is crucial to minimizing significant financial losses.
However, this efficiency raises serious concerns. Critics question the lack of prior judicial oversight and the potential infringement on an individual's right to a defense. Furthermore, technical issues with the Google CDN temporarily blocked access to services like YouTube and Google Drive. The lack of transparency surrounding the Piracy Shield's technical specifications fuels concerns about its governance. Management of the system lies with SP Tech, a subsidiary of Lega Serie A, creating a potential conflict of interest.
These concerns prompted the Computer & Communications Industry Association to file a complaint with the European Union, alleging potential violations of the Digital Services Act and Open Internet regulations. AGCOM Commissioner Massimiliano Capitanio defended Piracy Shield, asserting that it places Italy at the forefront of combating illegal streaming.