A proposed bill could significantly impact online piracy in the US, gaining support from major entertainment giants like Netflix, Disney, and Sony.
The Foreign Anti-Digital Piracy Act (FADPA) introduced by US Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren on January 29, 2025, seeks to give copyright holders the power to request U.S. District Courts to issue blocking orders against foreign piracy websites. If passed, the bill would require internet service providers (ISPs) like Google, Cloudflare, Comcast, and AT&T to prevent access to illegal streaming sites hosting anime, live-action films, music, and novels.
How FADPA Would Work
The bill allows copyright holders to petition the court to block sites suspected of hosting copyright-infringing content. Before issuing an order, the court must assess whether the action would disrupt access to legitimate content or pose an unnecessary burden on ISPs. The foreign site has 30 days to respond, and if it does not, the court may appoint a “master” to verify the claims before making a final ruling.
If the court rules in favor of the petitioner, ISPs must block access to the site within 15 days (or 7 days for live events like sports matches or concerts). Orders can also be extended for an additional 12 months if the site remains active.
Major ISPs & Platforms Affected
FADPA would primarily target ISPs and DNS resolution providers with over 100,000 subscribers or $100 million in annual revenue, affecting major players like Comcast, AT&T, Cloudflare, and Google. These companies have previously been subject to millions of DMCA takedown requests from rights holders like Crunchyroll, Funimation, and Weekly Shonen Jump’s publisher, Shueisha.
The bill defines a “foreign piracy website” as one operated by a non-U.S. entity or whose location cannot be determined. The platform must also be primarily designed for copyright infringement with no significant legitimate purpose.
What This Means for Users
The bill aims to restrict access to illegal streaming sites but does not mandate ISPs to block VPN access, meaning tech-savvy users may still find ways to bypass restrictions. Additionally, the law provides immunity to ISPs that comply with blocking orders, shielding them from legal action by affected websites or users.
FADPA also includes transparency provisions, requiring court orders to be made publicly available. However, certain information may be redacted if deemed a threat to national security, personal safety, or law enforcement investigations.
Industry Support & Backlash
The bill is backed by major entertainment industry organizations, including:
- The Motion Picture Association (MPA) (which represents Disney, Netflix, Paramount, Amazon MGM Studios, Sony, Universal, and Warner Bros. Discovery)
- SAG-AFTRA
- The Authors Guild
- The International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE)
The MPA thanks Rep. Lofgren for introducing FADPA and for her commitment to work with Chairman Issa to enact legislation this Congress to ensure America’s creators have effective enforcement tools to combat offshore piracy targeting the U.S. market.
MPA Chairman and CEO Charles Rivkin praised the bill, stating
While supporters argue the bill protects artists and content creators, critics believe it could lead to overblocking and internet censorship. The bill’s broad language has also raised concerns over how it defines “piracy sites” and what measures ISPs will take to comply.
If passed, FADPA could drastically reshape access to online content particularly for anime fans and users who rely on unofficial streaming platforms.
Source: CBR