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the inside of the lego icons spongebob bikini bottom set

Firmly grasp it — your wallet, that is. Lego unveiled two new SpongeBob Squarepants-themed building sets this week, its first in nearly 15 years.

The new Lego Icons SpongeBob SquarePants: Bikini Bottom set marks the inaugural SpongeBob Lego kit geared toward adults, while the new Lego BrickHeadz SpongeBob SquarePants Figure is the latest entry in its blocky line for kids. Both sets are slated for release on Sept. 1 and available for preorder now exclusively at the Lego Store.

the Lego Icons SpongeBob SquaraePants: Bikini Bottom set
Credit: Lego
the Lego BrickHeadz SpongeBob SquarePants Figure
Credit: Lego

According to a company press release, the Bikini Bottom set was made in partnership with Paramount Products & Experiences in honor of the first-ever SpongeBob Day on July 14. That's SpongeBob’s birthday in his eponymous show; this year, he turns 40. (The SpongeBob Squarepants franchise is owned by the Nickelodeon Group, a Paramount subsidiary.)

Priced at $219.99, the set contains 1,794 pieces that build into the iconic homes of Sponge boy me Bob and his neighbors, Patrick and Squidward. Each one has a decked-out living space on the inside with tiny beds, TVs, and furnishings. Squidward even gets his own bubble bath, tanning bed, clarinet, and sheet music stand.

the lego icons spongebob squarepants bikini bottom set on a bookshelf
The gang's all here. Credit: Lego

The set comes complete with minifigures of the aforementioned characters, plus SpongeBob's pet snail, Gary, and 2D evil twin, DoodleBob. Lego also throws in a brickified Boatmobile, a patch of the Jellyfish Fields, a Bikini Bottom city sign, and a bubblestand.

SpongeBob voice actor Tom Kenny showcased the set in videos posted to the official @spongebob TikTok account on Tuesday. "Whether you're an old-school collector like me or looking for a great holiday gift, this set bursts with nautical nonsense!" he said in one clip.

the minifigures in the lego icons spongebob squarepants bikini bottom set
The minifigures come with accessories, like a jellyfishing net and an ice cream cone. Credit: Lego
a jellyfish fields patch from the lego icons spongebob squarepants bikini bottom set
Take that net on over to Jellyfish Fields. Credit: Lego

Heads up that shoppers who preorder the SpongeBob Squarepants: Bikini Bottom set before July 23 will receive a free Tom Nook and Flying Present set with their order. If you're a member of the Lego Insiders loyalty program — it's free to join — you'll also get a bonus Restaurants of the World: Japan set featuring a tiny sushi bar. They're worth $4.99 and $19.99, respectively.

the Lego BrickHeadz SpongeBob SquarePants Figure
He's ready. Credit: Lego

The BrickHeadz figure of The Sponge is geared toward ages 10 and up. It contains 72 pieces, including a jellyfishing net, and stands a little over three inches tall. It'll cost you $12.99.

2026 isn't just the year SpongeBob celebrates the big 4-0. It also marks two decades since Lego released its very first SpongeBob-themed set: a 295-piece build of the Krusty Krab. The company came out with at least two new SpongeBob sets every year through 2012 before putting the series on hiatus — until now.



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General view inside the stadium before the FIFA World Cup 2026 Semi Final match between England and Argentina at Atlanta Stadium on July 15, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia

England and Argentina are playing for a place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final, and just as they did before Spain versus France, the internet’s astrologers are looking for clues about what might happen next.

The predictions are not perfectly aligned, pun intended. Several forecasts give Argentina the edge, with some pointing to the Leo moon and England’s weaker planetary support. Others predict an England victory, while at least one reading found the chart almost evenly divided, with only a slight advantage for the Three Lions.

England supporters also have a larger omen to hold onto. The country’s only World Cup victory came in 1966, a Fire Horse year in the Chinese zodiac, and 2026 marks the Fire Horse’s first return in 60 years. Whether that means football is coming home or merely bringing more stress with it remains open to interpretation.

The moon and Jupiter are both in Leo on July 15, a sign astrologers associate with confidence, leadership, and players rising to a major occasion. Mercury remains retrograde in Cancer, however, which could make the match less predictable and communication more fuzzy.

Astrology cannot tell us who will score, save a penalty, or advance to the final. But it can offer another way to look at how each player may respond to the pressure of the match. Here is what the birth charts of six key players suggest about England versus Argentina.

The players’ birth-chart information and planetary placements were sourced from Astro-Charts and Astrotheme. Because the birth times of several players are unknown, rising signs were not included. Astrology is interpretive and cannot reliably predict the result of a match.

England

Harry Kane: Leo sun, Sagittarius moon

Harry Kane has 6 goals at this World Cup, according to Google, tying Jude Bellingham for the most on England and leaving both players two behind Messi. The 32-year-old’s Leo sun suits the visibility and pressure that come with captaining the team, while his Sagittarius moon points to confidence and the ability to keep believing even when a match gets difficult. Mars in Virgo adds discipline and precision, which fits a striker who can finish chances but also move back toward midfield to help create them.

Kane enters the semifinal with several favorable parts of his chart working in his favor. Jupiter is moving almost directly over his Leo sun, a connection astrologers often link with opportunity and recognition, while the moon and Mars also give his natal Jupiter some support. The picture is not entirely easy, though. Mercury is putting pressure on his Uranus and Neptune, which could bring confusion or sudden shifts in momentum, and Pluto sits opposite his sun, adding even more weight to the moment. Kane may have chances to shape the game, but he will likely have to manage plenty of pressure along the way.

Jude Bellingham: Cancer sun, Cancer moon

Jude Bellingham scored both of England’s goals in its 2–1 quarterfinal win over Norway, including the winner in extra time. At 23, he has already become the player England looks to when a match needs to shift. His sun, moon, Mercury, and Saturn are all in Cancer, which points to a player who relies heavily on instinct and reads the mood of the game quickly. His Mars sits close to Uranus in Pisces, giving him a sudden, hard-to-predict quality that fits his ability to move from midfield into scoring positions.

Bellingham is also at the start of his Jupiter return, a cycle often linked with expansion and major opportunities. On Wednesday, Uranus makes a tense angle to his natal Mars and Uranus, which could bring sharp changes in pace or another unexpected moment. He has already shown that he can appear in the right place before anyone else sees the opening, and this chart suggests that ability could matter again.

Bukayo Saka: Virgo sun, Aries moon

Bukayo Saka, 24, has 3 assists at this World Cup, and remains one of England’s biggest attacking threats. He plays on the right side, where he tries to get past defenders before either passing the ball into the middle or cutting toward goal himself. Norway often sent two players to stop him in the quarterfinal, but he still found ways to create chances. His Virgo sun fits the careful, controlled side of his game, while his Aries moon adds speed, confidence, and a willingness to take defenders on.

Wednesday’s astrology could help bring out both sides of his game. The Leo moon falls close to Saka’s Venus and connects well with his Aries moon, which astrologers may link to creativity and better teamwork. Mars adds more energy, although it could also make him frustrated if Argentina keeps blocking his path.

Argentina

Lionel Messi: Cancer sun, Gemini moon

Lionel Andrés Messi, 39, has scored 8 goals and added two assists at this World Cup, bringing his career tournament total to a record 21 goals. His Cancer sun, Mercury, and Mars reflect his instinctive style, while his Gemini moon points to quick thinking and adaptability. Messi can change direction, find a pass, or create a shot before defenders ever have time to react.

Wednesday’s sun falls almost exactly on Messi’s natal Mars, the planet astrologers connect with competition, energy, and taking action. Mercury retrograde is also close to his natal Mercury and Mars, making that part of his chart especially active. Astrologers may see this as a sign that Messi will be heavily involved (as usual), although the retrograde could also make the match harder to control.

Julián Álvarez: Aquarius sun, Sagittarius moon

Julián Álvarez, 26, is one of Argentina’s main forwards and plays close to goal, where he looks for open space and chances to shoot. He can also move deeper or toward either side of the field to help create an attack, making him difficult for defenders to track. His Aquarius sun fits that versatile style, while his Sagittarius moon points to boldness and a willingness to keep making runs toward goal.

Álvarez also has some of the strongest astrology in the match. Right now, Jupiter sits almost exactly on his North Node at 3 degrees Leo, a point astrologers connect with destiny and major opportunities. Along with Mars supporting his sun, that could help him break through England’s defense, force an error, or appear in the right place when Argentina needs a goal.

Alexis Mac Allister: Capricorn sun, Pisces moon

Alexis Mac Allister, 27, plays in the center of Argentina’s midfield, where he helps win the ball and pass it forward to the team’s attackers. His Capricorn sun fits his steady, disciplined style, while his Pisces moon points to strong instincts and an ability to read where the game is moving.

On Wednesday, Mars sits directly opposite Mac Allister’s Mercury, which astrologers may connect with quick thinking, sharp passes, and faster decisions. It could also make him rush or become frustrated under pressure. Venus makes a more supportive connection to his sun, however, which may help him stay composed and work smoothly with his teammates.



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the jackery american red cross red models

The momentum behind portable power stations is not slowing down. If anything, it's rolling even faster these days with brands introducing new models with better functions that are lighter weight yet also more powerful.

Jackery is one of the front-runner brands that's been introducing impressive new models this summer. We have the Jackery FridgeGuard and three new models in the Jackery HomePower lineup, including a white option.

On top of these announcements, Jackery has a new look coming out in September.

Jackery x American Red Cross models

Coming in a stunning red colorway, the Jackery "Power the Rescuers" collab with the American Red Cross is part of the brand's latest product expansion. The lineup includes three portable power stations that are all designed to be useful in emergency situations, aiding first responders who are on-scene. Jackery mentions firefighters, EMTs, utility repair crews, and shelter workers will all benefit from these new durable models. Of course, they'll also be excellent for using at home during a power outage. Here's what we know about the specific Jackery Red Cross models.

Jackery HomePower 1000 Plus v2 Red Cross Edition

The smallest of the collab is the HomePower 1000 Plus v2 with 1,000Wh of battery capacity. This will be both the smallest and lightest of the lineup, making it especially useful for essential devices like two-way radios, GPS devices, headlamps, and phones. When using at home during a power outage, it'll be great for CPAP machines, phones, or keeping the WiFi router online.

Jackery HomePower 2000 Plus v2 Red Cross Edition

Getting larger in size and power, the HomePower 2000 Plus v2 is a 2kWh model that can handle larger devices. Jackery mentions this will be useful for first responders who need power in field ambulances. At home, you'll be able to use this model to keep the refrigerator cooling or use the coffee maker in the morning.

Jackery HomePower 3600 Plus Red Cross Edition

The largest of the lineup, the HomePower 2600 Plus Red Cross Edition is a wheeled portable power station with a telescoping handle. Jackery says this model is designed for giving heavy-duty power when it's not possible to use gas generators. Plus, it's quieter and can safely be used inside.

This model also comes with a 30amp plug, in addition to standard AC ports, USB-A, and USB-C.

Each sale helps support local first responders

If you're in the market for a home-backup solution, the new Jackery HomePower Plus Red Cross Editions could be perfect. In addition, Jackery is donating 10% of the profit from each sale to providing portable power for emergency responders on the front line.

Jackery mentions responders relied on portable power solutions during California's blackouts and wildfires as well as after hurricanes in Puerto Rico. Portable power is also essential for keeping life-support systems like ventilators working properly.

How to buy models from the Jackery "Power the Rescuers" lineup

If you're all-in on the red portable power stations, get ready for a launch in September. The three models will go on sale for relief organizations and the public at the beginning of September online at jackery.com. We'll be sure to keep Mashable reader's updated about specific dates and any sale prices.

For now, you can sign up for email updates from Jackery to keep up to date about new models.



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Samsung over Apple logo

Apple's time as the top smartphone maker in the world has come to an end for the time being.

According to a new report from tech market research firm Counterpoint, Samsung has reclaimed its title from Apple as the mobile industry's global leader in Q2 2026. And it seems Apple's loss is at least partially attributable to the ongoing global RAM shortage, which has led to fewer people buying phones.

"The outlook for the rest of 2026 remains challenging," Counterpoint says in its report. The research firm expects a roughly 14 percent decline in global smartphone shipments for the year, with price increases putting pressure on shoppers.

SEE ALSO: Thank the AI industry for these tech price increases: See the full list

Samsung and Apple have been neck-and-neck for years in the race as the world's most popular smartphone manufacturer. At the start of the year, Apple overcame Samsung to become the industry leader on the strength of record-breaking iPhone sales.

However, the latest data shows that Samsung has had a strong start in 2026, propelling the company back to the top. Samsung now has a 24 percent global mobile market share, the strongest of any of the top five brands in the category. Samsung’s Galaxy S26 line was the driver behind shipment growth, according to the report. Counterpoint says that the Galaxy S26 Ultra model released in March emerged as the "standout performer."

Although Apple dropped to second, the company's market share actually grew overall in Q2 2026. The Counterpoint report found that the company grew 3 percent year-over-year during the quarter and even achieved a record 20 percent global market share. The iPhone 17 remained as Apple's biggest product line and was the "top-shipped global model."

However, Apple did face some adversity due to global RAM shortage spurred by the AI boom.

Counterpoint's report says legacy iPhone models "faced softer demand, as component allocation prioritized current-generation devices amid memory-related supply constraints." The company also faced declining shipments within the Chinese market as "China remained a relative soft spot" for the company, according to Counterpoint.

As for the RAM shortage, Samsung's smartphone lines likely benefited, as the company is also a memory manufacturer itself. Still, the company did slightly raise its prices in February, and rumor has it the company could potentially raise mobile prices further in the near future (the company is expected to launch its new foldables at a July 22 event in London).

SEE ALSO: Samsung finally confirms Galaxy Unpacked for July 22

Notably, Samsung avoided price increases on its Ultra model, which did particularly well this quarter. Apple has so far managed to avoid price increases on its iPhone 17 line, despite hiking prices on its MacBooks and iPads in June.

It should also be noted that Samsung unveiled its latest Galaxy smartphone models in February of this year. The Galaxy S26 line, according to the report, was a major factor in Samsung regaining its top spot. Apple's new iPhone line, iPhone 18, isn't expected until September, and it will likely play a major role in Apple's future market share.



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An illustrated

House of the Dragon Season 3 is here, and you know what that means: It's time to take a climb into the very tangled branches of the Targaryen family tree.

Over the first two seasons of House of the Dragon, some of these branches have been pruned. (RIP to the many Targs who've perished in this bloody show.) However, Season 2 also added its fair share of new offshoots, further complicating the knotted web between Houses Targaryen, Velaryon, and Hightower. Season 3 has complicated it even further, with new deaths and the face reveal of one Daeron Targaryen. If you're looking for a refresher on that web as you head into the second half of Season 3, we've got you covered.

SEE ALSO: 'House of the Dragon' review: Season 3 atones for the sins of Season 2

Below, you'll find the Targaryen family tree as it stands as of House of the Dragon Season 3, episode 4, as well as a rundown of the characters and how they connect.

An illustrated Targaryen family tree.
Credit: Ian Moore / Mashable

Which Targaryens have died since Season 2?

There were two key deaths in the Targaryen family in Season 2: one on the Greens' side and one on the Blacks'.

Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen's (Emma D'Arcy) camp lost Princess Rhaenys (Eve Best), also known as the Queen Who Never Was. Meanwhile, King Aegon II Targaryen (Tom Glynn-Carney) and Queen Helaena (Phia Saban) lost their young son Jaehaerys when gold cloak Blood (Sam C. Wilson) and rat catcher Cheese (Mark Stobbart) assassinated him on Prince Daemon's (Matt Smith) orders.

There are still plenty of Targaryens left standing, though. Here's who to watch out for in Season 3.

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'House of the Dragon': Everything you need to know in 2 minutes

The Targaryen family tree: Rhaenyra, Daemon, and their children

Matt Smith, Phoebe Campbell, Emma D'Arcy, Harry Collett, and Bethany Antonia in "House of the Dragon."
Matt Smith, Phoebe Campbell, Emma D'Arcy, Harry Collett, and Bethany Antonia in "House of the Dragon." Credit: Composite: Mashable / Images: HBO

Rhaenyra heads up the Team Black branch of the Targaryen family tree, with her husband/uncle Daemon by her side. (It was touch and go for a minute in Season 2, but after a life-changing study abroad trip to Harrenhal, complete with witches and visions, Daemon is finally ready to accept Rhaenyra as his queen.)

Their two young sons, Aegon and Viserys, are on their way to Pentos for protection after a brief pit stop in the Vale. However, Rhaenyra and Daemon's children from their prior marriages are still in Westeros and locked in on Rhaenyra's fight for the throne.

SEE ALSO: The ickiest moment from 'House of the Dragon's Season 3 premiere isn't even in the book

Rhaenyra's son Jacaerys (Harry Collett) and Daemon's daughter Baela (Bethany Antonia) are both dragonriders. Daemon's other daughter, Rhaena (Phoebe Campbell), doesn't have a dragon, which is why she was sent off as Aegon and Viserys' guardian. However, when they went to Pentos, she remained behind in the Vale, hoping to tame its wild dragon Sheepstealer. As of Season 3, she's successfully claimed Sheepstealer, but at a cost: He went rogue during the Battle of the Gullet, and his interference helped lead to Jace's tragic death. Now, Rhaenyra wants Sheepstealer's rider's head, and only Daemon and Lady Jeyne Arryn (Amanda Collin) know the truth of her identity.

The Targaryen family tree: Alicent Hightower and her children

Tom Glynn-Carney, Olivia Cooke, Phia Saban, and Ewan Mitchell in "House of the Dragon."
Tom Glynn-Carney, Olivia Cooke, Phia Saban, and Ewan Mitchell in "House of the Dragon." Credit: Composite: Mashable / Images: HBO

Dowager Queen Alicent Hightower (Olivia Cooke) remains the matriarch of Team Green, although she's growing increasingly regretful about her role in the war for succession. (So regretful, in fact, that she's offered to surrender the Iron Throne to Rhaenyra.) She had four children with the late King Viserys (Paddy Considine).

The eldest, Aegon, remains King of Westeros. His younger brother Aemond (Ewan Mitchell) attempted to kill him in a dragon dogfight at the Battle of Rook's Rest, and once Aegon recovered from his worst injuries, he fled King's Landing with the help of Larys Strong (Matthew Needham). Now Aemond is Prince Regent, and Alicent is trying her best to get herself and her daughter Helaena out of harm's way.

Alicent's youngest son Daeron (Benjamin Evan Ainsworth) makes his official House of the Dragon debut in Season 3, episode 4, although he's been hiding in plain sight since the Season 3 premiere. He's a ward of House Hightower and squire to Lord Ormund Hightower (James Norton), who's engineering his own plot — involving a fake Daeron — to place him on the throne.

SEE ALSO: 'House of the Dragon' may be hiding Daeron Targaryen in plain sight

The Hightower family tree: Otto, Gwayne, and Ormund

James Norton, Olivia Cooke, Rhys Ifans, and Freddie Fox in "House of the Dragon."
James Norton, Olivia Cooke, Rhys Ifans, and Freddie Fox in "House of the Dragon." Credit: Composite: Mashable / Images: HBO

In addition to Alicent, the rest of House Hightower continues to be a major player in House of the Dragon. Her father, Otto Hightower (Rhys Ifans), former hand of the King, was the first Green loyalist to be executed under Rhaenyra's reign. Elsewhere, Alicent's brother Gwayne (Freddie Fox) has been traipsing around the Seven Kingdoms with Ser Criston Cole (Fabien Frankel), a nightmare we wouldn't wish on even our worst enemies.

House of the Dragon Season 3 also introduces a new member of the Hightower family: Lord Ormund, head of House Hightower. His late father Hobert (Steffan Rhodri) was Otto's oldest brother, making Ormund Alicent and Gwayne's cousin.

SEE ALSO: 'House of the Dragon' Season 3, episode 1: Who is Ormund Hightower?

The Velaryon family tree: Corlys and his sons Alyn and Addam

Steve Toussaint, Abubakar Salim, and Clinton Liberty in "House of the Dragon."
Steve Toussaint, Abubakar Salim, and Clinton Liberty in "House of the Dragon." Credit: Composite: Mashable / Images: HBO

Rhaenyra's Hand is Corlys Velaryon (Steve Toussaint), also known as the Sea Snake due to his naval prowess. Over the course of House of the Dragon, he's lost his wife Rhaenys, as well as their children Laena (Nanna Blondell) and Laenor (John Macmillan).

However, Season 2 revealed that Laena and Laenor weren't Corlys' only descendants. He also has two bastard sons, Alyn of Hull (Abubakar Salim) and Addam of Hull (Clinton Liberty). Their mother Marilda, unseen in the show, was a shipwright. House of the Dragon primarily refers to Marilda in the past tense, implying she is dead, hence why she's greyed out in our family tree. However, by this point in Fire and Blood, she is still alive.

While Corlys didn't truly acknowledge Alyn and Addam prior to Season 2, the pair are now a much more prominent part of his life — and the show. Alyn is a notable sailor in Corlys' fleet, and Addam became a dragonrider. Thanks to his Valyrian blood, he now rides Seasmoke, Laenor's old dragon.

The dragonseeds: Addam, Ulf the White, and Hugh Hammer

Kieran Bew, Tom Bennett, and Clinton Liberty in "House of the Dragon."
Kieran Bew, Tom Bennett, and Clinton Liberty in "House of the Dragon." Credit: Composite: Mashable / Images: HBO

Addam isn't the only new dragonrider to join Rhaenyra's ranks in Season 2. Smallfolk Ulf the White (Tom Bennett) and Hugh Hammer (Kieran Bew) also claimed dragons. Ulf rides Silverwing, the dragon of Rhaenyra's grandmother Alysanne, while Hugh rides Vermithor, the dragon of Rhaenyra's grandfather Jaehaerys. The pair, like Addam, are bastards of Valyrian blood, earning them the nickname of "dragonseeds." While they haven't been legitimized as Targaryens, they will certainly have a large role to play in the battles to come.

House of the Dragon Season 3 premieres June 21 at 9 p.m. ET on HBO and HBO Max, with a new episode every Sunday.

UPDATE: Jul. 12, 2026, 10:00 p.m. EDT This article has been updated to reflect the events of the first four episodes of Season 3.

UPDATE: Jun. 26, 2026, 4:02 p.m. EDT A previous version of the family tree did not show Rhaenys, Hobert, or Marilda as deceased the way they are in the show. It has since been updated.



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Photo Illustrations Meta Launches Muse Image

Meta's Must Image tool, which launched last Tuesday, is now being shuttered by the company, according to Reuters.

The social media giant released a statement on Friday announcing it would discontinue the feature: "Our intent was to provide a useful creative tool and to give people control over whether their public ​content could be referenced in this way. We've ​heard the feedback that this feature missed the mark, so ⁠it's no longer available."

Meta launched Muse Image as part of a suite of new AI tools. Designed for Instagram and WhatsApp users, it lets them touch up, alter, or add 3D effects to new photos. Muse Image took things a step further, allowing users to use photos from public-facing Instagram accounts as reference material for generative AI. Worse still, they enabled the feature by default, so if you didn't want your personal photos being used as AI fodder, you had to either make your account private or locate the specific setting that would toggle the feature off.

Unsurprisingly, the backlash came hard and fast. 

But it was actors and other famous people with massive followings and public accounts who led the charge. Hacks star Hannah Einbinder took to her Instagram stories to urge her followers not to use the feature, prompting the Screen Actors Guild to take action as well, urging its members to "protect your likeness" by deactivating it. To its credit, though, this time around Meta listened.

There's no shortage of controversy regarding generative AI and copyright issues, whether we're talking about companies asking child actors to sign away their voice rights or major record labels suing music generators over creative use, but leave it to Meta to carelessly trip every wire and provoke a backlash so severe that they were immediately forced to back down.

Expect more heated battles over image rights, privacy, and generative AI as these tools only become more powerful and more ubiquitous, but in the meantime, let's all be glad that Meta was receptive to the negative feedback.



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Cybersecurity lock icons in digital data tunnel - stock photo

A French court ordered upstream internet intermediaries like Google and Cloudflare to actively block access to prominent pirating and illegal streaming sites at the request of sports rights holders. But Google is pushing back against this judgment, and its reasoning is surprisingly sound. 

The landmark decision places direct responsibility on upstream internet providers rather than on illegal streaming services, which are notoriously difficult to bring to justice in a local court, especially when they exploit loopholes in international law or employ backup domains and servers that go online when their main platforms are blocked.

SEE ALSO: Worried about your digital privacy? I tested the top 3 VPNs to find the best of the best.

To effectively block access to these sites, which operate across multiple domains, servers, and web addresses, Google would have to use a combination of DNS filtering and IP- and VPN-blocking, but these catch-all approaches are guaranteed to impact law-abiding users and web hosts as well. To analogize, it's a bit like trying to catch a minnow with a giant trawling net. At the end of the day, you may have all the minnows in the sea, but you're also going to harm the dolphins, whales, and other fish species.

Our big Guessing Game is back! Enter now for a chance to win an Apple Watch.

Worse still, savvy internet pirates have multiple ways to circumvent these actions, meaning the minnows might still escape while the larger fish (ordinary internet users) get caught up in the filtering. 

Google said as much in their submission to the EU court:

"Blocking DNS resolvers, IPs, VPNs, is ineffective, as it does not remove content at all and is easily circumvented by using alternative DNS resolvers. It is disproportionate, catching lawful services, raising extra-territoriality concerns and blocking entire domains. Similarly, blocking IP addresses neither removes the content nor achieves proportionate outcomes, as many lawful services may be using the same IP address."

Google's report goes on to cite real-world harms caused by these blanket bans, including inadvertently blocking Google Drive access and restricting access to websites such as Amnesty International, the ACLU, UNICEF, UNHCR, the Australian Senate, and Stanford Law Review.

The Electronic Frontier Foundation has echoed Google's criticisms, arguing that the EU's attempts to legislate the internet "keep EU users locked up behind big tech's gates." The EFF also took a strong stand against the automated filtering mandates argued for in Article 13 of the EU Copyright Directive. 

It's also looking like these concerns are coming to the United States, as a House IP Subcommittee met on June 30 to discuss exactly the kind of upstream content bans enforced by the EU. California Representative Darrell Issa has already pledged to introduce exactly such a bill. 

Not coincidentally, these legislative efforts are ramping up right as illegal streaming and downloading experiences a resurgence in popularity (a "Piracy Renaissance," according to one publication), perhaps not in spite of a massive spike in online streaming platforms but because of these platforms and their ongoing efforts to raise prices, introduce advertising, and fragment their content offerings. 

Expect this debate to heat up as more and more tech companies are pulled into the argument, and as the interests of internet giants like Google are pitted against the copyright claims of giant media broadcasters.



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