Chile Proposes New Law to Strengthen Illegal Betting Website Blocks
Chile.- 10 November 2026 | www.zonadeazar.com Chilean senators Esteban Velásquez and Alejandra Sepúlveda have introduced legislation to strengthen the enforcement of court orders blocking websites and digital platforms.
The proposal would amend Chile’s Code of Civil Procedure to introduce specific mechanisms targeting mirror websites, which allow platforms to remain accessible through alternative internet addresses.
The initiative aims to improve the effectiveness of judicial restrictions, particularly against online betting platforms that continue operating after their original websites have been blocked.
Chile Targets Mirror Websites
Mirror websites are alternative versions of online platforms operating through different domains, subdomains or redirection mechanisms.
These tools can allow users to continue accessing services despite court orders restricting their availability.
According to the lawmakers, existing enforcement procedures face difficulties addressing these practices because platforms can change their internet addresses following a block.
The proposal aims to adapt judicial enforcement mechanisms to the digital environment.
Subtel Identified 79 Addresses for Blocking
One of the main precedents cited in the legislation concerns actions taken by Chile’s Undersecretariat of Telecommunications (Subtel).
In September 2026, the authority notified six internet service providers of electronic addresses that were required to be blocked.
The lists contained 79 websites and addresses, including domains, subdomains and mirror sites.
The senators argue that these figures demonstrate the need for mechanisms allowing existing restrictions to be updated when alternative addresses linked to blocked platforms are identified.
Three New Articles Proposed
The bill would introduce three additional articles into Chile’s Code of Civil Procedure.
The changes focus on:
- Enforcement of court orders: establishing procedures to ensure website blocking decisions are implemented.
- Internet provider accountability: enabling courts to request information about compliance measures.
- Prevention of deliberate evasion: expanding restrictions when new mechanisms are used to circumvent judicial decisions.
The proposal remains subject to parliamentary consideration and has not yet become law.
Courts Could Expand Existing Blocking Orders
The first amendment would authorise courts to adopt additional measures to ensure compliance with their decisions.
Blocking orders would need to identify the relevant domains, subdomains or electronic addresses.
They would also specify the parties responsible for implementing the restrictions and the deadlines for compliance.
When additional mirror websites or redirection mechanisms are discovered, courts could extend existing orders.
Any extension would require technical evidence demonstrating a connection between the new addresses and the platforms covered by the original ruling.
New Obligations for Internet Service Providers
The second proposed article would introduce additional oversight of internet service providers.
Where there are reasonable grounds to suspect non-compliance, courts could request information about the actions taken to implement blocking orders.
Providers that unjustifiably refuse to comply, submit manifestly false information or fail to fulfil reporting obligations could face enforcement measures.
Potential civil or criminal liabilities would also remain applicable.
However, the proposal distinguishes deliberate non-compliance from legitimate technical difficulties, provided those difficulties are properly documented.
Measures Against Deliberate Evasion
The third amendment focuses on actions intentionally designed to circumvent judicial blocking orders.
It addresses situations in which a party required to comply uses alternative domains, subdomains or redirection systems to avoid the restrictions.
In these circumstances, courts could:
- Invalidate actions intended to evade the blocking order.
- Extend previously imposed restrictions.
- Request technical evidence identifying the mechanisms used.
The objective is to prevent changes in internet addresses from undermining judicial decisions.
Industry Impact and Next Steps
The proposal represents another effort to strengthen oversight of digital platforms in Chile.
If approved, it could facilitate enforcement against unauthorised betting websites, particularly those using alternative domains to remain accessible.
It would also establish clearer obligations for internet providers while distinguishing intentional violations from documented technical problems.
With 79 addresses identified for blocking in September and three new judicial mechanisms under consideration, Chile is seeking to strengthen enforcement against digital platforms that circumvent court orders.
The legislation must now proceed through parliamentary consideration before any new requirements can take effect.
Edited by: Cristobal R.
