Cloudflare's CEO, Matthew Prince, has expressed strong opposition to a recent fine imposed by Italy, amounting to 14.2 million euros (around $16.5 million), related to anti-piracy regulations. This fine was announced on January 8, 2026, for the company's failure to block access to pirated content. In response, Prince threatened that Cloudflare may withdraw its services from Italy, including during the upcoming 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina.
Italy's Piracy Shield program, managed by the telecommunications regulator AGCOM, has been criticized for its stringent demands. It requires internet service providers to act within a 30-minute window to remove suspected piracy content. Prince highlighted that this rapid response requirement can inadvertently lead to the blocking of legitimate content. He voiced concerns about allowing an undefined group to dictate internet content policies globally.
Amidst the backlash, Prince reiterated Cloudflare's commitment to combating piracy, stating, "We block pirate streams every time we find one." However, he emphasized that the current regulatory framework in Italy poses unreasonable demands on the company, potentially jeopardizing its operations and future investments in the country.