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Canada's 'Expanded Scope' Blocking Order Targets Existing and Future Pirate Site

8 hours ago
  • Canadian site blocking has evolved from targeting fixed domain names to allowing updates without new court orders.
  • A new Federal Court order expands blocking to cover any 'similarly infringing platforms' under different brands, not just copycats.
  • Rightsholders can add new pirate sites using a simplified procedure without court approval, unless an ISP objects within five business days.
  • The order divides targets into six IPTV subscription services and seven streaming sites, with an initial blocklist of 13 domains and 5 subdomains.
  • A judicial guardrail limits the order to the applicants' specific copyrighted works, preventing future acquisitions from being used without court approval.
  • Critics like TekSavvy argue site blocking violates net neutrality and common carriage principles, viewing it as a slippery slope.