The Hellenic Copyright Organization (HCO) announces a significant milestone in the ongoing effort to combat online piracy: the Committee for the Disclosure of Online Infringement of Copyright and Related Rights (EDPPI) has, for the first time in Greece, successfully removed 17 pirate websites from Google search results.
The process followed a decision by EDPPI, which found 17 websites to be illegal for infringing related rights on audiovisual works, in violation of Law 2121/1993. Based on this, the HCO submitted fully documented reports to Google through the “Delisting” mechanism, utilizing the framework provided by the Digital Services Act (DSA). The reports detailed the legal basis of each decision, the reasons for the illegality of the specific websites, and the procedures for exercising legal remedies against EDPPI decisions, according to Article 66E.
Google accepted all requests and informed the HCO that the removal was completed. This action significantly strengthens the effectiveness of EDPPI decisions, as it drastically limits user access to illegal content already at the search stage.
This achievement is the result of HCO’s systematic effort to inform major intermediary service providers about the role and responsibilities of EDPPI as the competent national administrative authority in the field of online piracy. In this context, the HCO actively collaborates with European bodies, such as the Dedicated Network of the EUIPO, enhancing its international presence and credibility.
By exercising its powers effectively, EDPPI reaffirms HCO’s commitment to protecting creators and rights holders and to fostering a digital culture that respects intellectual property.