Using a VPN comes with a host of positive benefits, like avoiding region blocking on Netflix. The same principle can be used to watch illegal sports streaming – something a French court has recently demanded VPNs put an end to. Sorry, sports fans.
The Paris Judicial Courts' landmark ruling targets five of the gaming VPN.
Canal+ welcomed the ruling: "The decision sends a strong signal about the responsibility of VPNs, described for the first time as technical intermediaries, in the illegal distribution of sports content."
Which VPNs are affected?
NordVPN, ExpressVPN, Proton VPN, CyberGhost, and Surfshark were targeted in the ruling, described by the i2 coalition as "misguided and ineffective."
Unsurprisingly, using an illegal sports streaming site is cheaper than buying a subscription to a TV service, potentially hitting its profitability. Using as an example, only a limited number of EPL matches are broadcast, prompting the use of illegal streaming services.
Of course, isn't alone in this. US viewers also rely on illegal streaming sites, as do British sports fans. And Canal+ isn't the only broadcaster that has taken action. Already this year, Italy has introduced a "Piracy Shield" that forces VPNs and DNS providers to block illegal content. Meanwhile, you might have heard about India's VPN laws enforcing the recording of data, making it impossible to find an Indian VPN with a no-logs policy (with providers having to use virtual servers instead).
Will this impact US VPNs?
While VPNs remain legal in most territories and access to illegal streaming sites is open, there is a growing trend against the use of -initiated encryption services.
In the US, VPN use is currently not under any major threat. However, with the UK government having demanded action against VPNs while in opposition, the days of using illegal streaming sites there could be numbered. US sports broadcasters will be watching these events with interest.
Read our Minecraft VPN guide if you're interested in learning about how a VPN can enhance your experience in the iconic block-building game. Meanwhile, the Roblox VPN guide over on our sister site, Pocket Tactics, also has some great insights.