A Federal judge issued a two-year site blocking order to be carried out by major Canadian ISPs that include Bell Canada, Eastlink, Rogers Communcations, SaskTel and Telus; against 13 identified piracy operations “and other unidentified persons who operate unauthorized online television and motion picture piracy platforms;” which can be any site added to an official watch list, using a ‘Simplified Procedure.’
Unlike court orders that came before this one, this order targets not only the infringing platforms identified in the lawsuit, “but also similarly infringing platforms operating under other brands,” and that the Notification List of infringing sites can be modified without further court order.
Quebecor, the parent company of two ISPs, issued a statement saying that “(the) ruling builds on a solid foundation of responsible, court-supervised enforcement and sends a clear signal: (that) legal tools must keep pace with the increasingly sophisticated tactics of those who profit from stolen content.”
The order has what’s referred to as ‘expanded scope’ because it recognizes the need for dynamic blocking orders which recognize that, once notified to cease infringing operation, piracy sites are often replicated, migrated to other domains or IP addresses, and built on infrastructure that is designed to hide their existence. The expanded scope also recognizes the usefulness of ‘related information’ such as alternative platforms that are legitimate; which can be provided to those who attempt to visit the blocked infringing sites.
The Motion Picture Association of Canada applauded the order: “This order … affirms that… judicial site blocking is a vital tool for protecting creators and consumers from the dangers of digital piracy,” said Michele Austin, President and Managing Director of MPA-Canada. “(The) decision recognizes that enforcement tools must adapt in response to automated tools used by bad actors. This welcome decision enables swifter, more scalable action against piracy sites while preserving appropriate safeguards for free expression and supporting a safe and well functioning internet.”
Pirate sites are given seven days from date of notice to cease infringing operations before enforcement actions commence. New sites can be added to the Notification List without the approval of a judge.
Further details are provided in the Court Order, linked below.
Further reading
Rogers Media Inc (et al, Applicants), John Does (et al, Respondants) and Bell Canada (et al, Third party respondents). Order. July 3, 2026, Docket T-1127-26. Hon. Mr. Justice Southcott presiding. Federal Court of Canada.
Quebecor welcomes Federal Court ruling that strengthens site blocking against evolving piracy threats. Press release. July 23, 2026. Quebecor.
MPA-Canada welcomes federal court ruling that strengthens site blocking against evolving piracy threats. Press release. July 23, 2026. Motion Picture Association Canada
