Belgium Cracks Down on Pirate Sites, Demands Sensitive Data from Registrars
Belgium's Department for Combating Online Infringement has taken a bold step in its fight against digital piracy by ordering European domain registrars to hand over sensitive data of suspected pirate site operators. The move requires registrars to submit financial records, cryptocurrency wallet details, and technical logs linked to the targeted sites.
The court orders were issued under the French-speaking Business Court of Brussels, with the aim of protecting the 'sports economy'. The investigation is focused on illegal sports streaming networks, but the identities of the copyright holders who requested the orders remain concealed. Among the entities compelled to share data are Hosting Concepts, Hostinger, and Key Systems, EU-based registrars.
The directives also include a gag order, prohibiting registrars from notifying account holders or the public about the proceedings. Officials cited provisions within the European Union's Digital Services Act that allow exceptions to standard user notification requirements when criminal investigations are underway.