The old saying “putting doors on the field” finds an almost literal application in the context of the Internet: trying to control or block something as vast and uncontrollable as the global network is as absurd as it is ineffective. This principle has become evident with the recent IP blocks implemented by LaLiga in Spain, which have affected not only piracy platforms but also legitimate users of services like Movistar, O2, and Digi, and even companies that rely on providers like Cloudflare.
LaLiga and its War on Piracy
In recent days, LaLiga has deployed a series of mass IP blocks purportedly aimed at combating piracy of its content. These measures have not only impacted illegal platforms like DuckVision but have also collateralized thousands of users and businesses that have nothing to do with football or piracy. Cloudflare, an essential service for the security and performance of many websites, was one of the indirect victims of this operation. The result has been chaos, with legitimate users experiencing interruptions to their work and daily activities due to a measure that seems excessive and imprecise.
The Selectivity of the Blocks
The most striking aspect of these blocks is their apparent selectivity. As has been pointed out, the interruptions suspiciously coincide with high-profile sporting events, such as the Madrid derby. This suggests that the measures are not designed for sustained anti-piracy efforts, but rather reactively and sporadically, which is not only ineffective in the long run but also unfair to those caught in the crossfire.
The Impossibility of Controlling the Internet
LaLiga, like other players trying to control the flow of information on the Internet, seems to ignore a fundamental reality: the web is an open field, without fences. No matter how many blocks are implemented, there will always be ways to circumvent them. VPNs, proxies, decentralized networks, and other tools allow users to access blocked content with relative ease. Additionally, these measures often have a rebound effect: instead of eradicating piracy, they push it into darker and less traceable spaces, making it even more difficult to combat.
The Collateral Cost of Draconian Measures
Massive IP blocking is not only ineffective, but also counterproductive. Thousands of users and companies unrelated to football have had their activities interrupted due to these measures. From remote workers to small businesses relying on services like Cloudflare, the impact has been considerable. This raises an uncomfortable question: is it worth sacrificing the experience of so many people in a futile attempt to control piracy?
A Smarter Solution
Instead of resorting to massive blocks and draconian measures, LaLiga and other organizations should focus on making their offerings more attractive and accessible. History has shown that when content is easy to obtain, high quality, and reasonably priced, users prefer legal options over piracy. Platforms like Netflix, Spotify, or Steam are clear examples of how an appealing offering can reduce the demand for illegal content.
Conclusion: The Lost War
Trying to put doors on the field is not only a vain effort but also a waste of resources. LaLiga and other entities must accept that, no matter how hard they try, they will never be able to completely control the Internet. Instead of chasing a chimera, they should work on improving their offerings and addressing the reasons that lead to piracy in the first place. The web is, and will remain, an open space. The question is not how to put doors on it, but how to coexist within it intelligently and constructively.
Meanwhile, users affected by these blocks suffer the consequences of a war that is already lost. And, as the saying goes, attempting to put doors on the field is not only absurd but also unnecessarily disruptive.