Cloudflare is now blocking numerous pirate sites for UK web users
Cloudflare, a major CDN and DNS provider, has begun geo-blocking access for UK users attempting to visit numerous piracy websites—including domains flagged by the Motion Picture Association—by returning an HTTP 451 (“Unavailable For Legal Reasons”) error . Unlike traditional ISP-mediated blocking, this represents Cloudflare’s first participation in the UK’s pirate site blocking regime, responding to a High Court injunction .
The blocks apply at the level of Cloudflare’s pass-through security and CDN services, affecting both residential and VPN users with UK exit nodes—even those who try to circumvent ISP blocks . However, sites can still evade this measure by stopping Cloudflare’s services or through other technical workarounds .
Cloudflare has historically resisted content-based moderation, citing its role as a neutral provider. Yet this move signals a shift, likely driven by mounting legal pressure—and may signal similar actions elsewhere like Italy, where it previously complied with piracy block orders .
