This is the new MLex platform. Existing customers should continue to use the existing MLex platform until migrated.
For any queries, please contact Customer Services or your Account Manager. Dismiss

Anne Frank copyright case tests where VPN use ends, infringement begins

By Inbar Preiss ( January 21, 2026, 14:18 GMT | Comment) -- VPNs do not infringe copyright when users bypass geo-blocking, an EU court adviser has said in a case over The Diary Of Anne Frank. But he warned that liability could arise if providers actively promote unlawful access, potentially asking VPN providers to reassess how their advertising could trigger copyright liability under EU law.Virtual Private Network services are not copyright-infringing tools just because people use them to access geo-blocked content, but that line could shift if providers “actively encourage” unlawful use, according to a legal opinion published last week. This may leave service providers in limbo on what kind of promotion would result in copyright infringement until the court publishes its ruling....

Prepare for tomorrow’s regulatory change, today

MLex identifies risk to business wherever it emerges, with specialist reporters across the globe providing exclusive news and deep-dive analysis on the proposals, probes, enforcement actions and rulings that matter to your organization and clients, now and in the longer term.


Know what others in the room don’t, with features including:

  • Daily newsletters for Antitrust, M&A, Trade, Data Privacy & Security, Technology, AI and more
  • Custom alerts on specific filters including geographies, industries, topics and companies to suit your practice needs
  • Predictive analysis from expert journalists across North America, the UK and Europe, Latin America and Asia-Pacific
  • Curated case files bringing together news, analysis and source documents in a single timeline

Experience MLex today with a 14-day free trial.

Start Free Trial

Already a subscriber? Click here to login