Lithuania Reviews Domain Blocking Framework Targeting Illegal Online Activities

The session was organized following a decision by a working group established under an order of the Prime Minister. Among the participants were officials from the Government Chancellery, the National Cyber Security Centre, the State Consumer Rights Protection Authority, the Department of Drugs, Tobacco and Alcohol Control, the Bank of Lithuania, the Radio and Television Commission of Lithuania, the State Tax Inspectorate and the Office of the Inspector of Journalist Ethics.

Focus on Article 98 and Enforcement Powers

At the center of the discussion was Article 98 of the Law on Electronic Communications of the Republic of Lithuania, which governs “mandatory instructions to remove information or eliminate access to it.” Authorities assessed possible amendments to strengthen the legal framework and refine mechanisms for blocking domains linked to unlawful activities, including illegal gambling operations.

Representatives of the Lošimų priežiūros tarnyba (Gaming Control Authority) participated in the talks, contributing expertise on supervisory challenges related to unlicensed operators targeting the Lithuanian market.

A representative of the Nacionalinis kibernetinio saugumo centras (National Cyber Security Centre) outlined a forthcoming initiative to update the current blocking procedures. While only a preliminary overview was presented, officials indicated that more detailed proposals are expected to be published in the near future.

Toward a More Coordinated Blocking Mechanism

The discussions reflect Lithuania’s broader efforts to enhance enforcement tools against digital platforms operating outside national law. Adjustments to Article 98 could clarify institutional competencies, streamline procedures for issuing binding removal or blocking orders, and improve cooperation between regulatory, cybersecurity and financial oversight bodies.

For the gambling sector in particular, domain blocking remains a key instrument in combating unlicensed operators that circumvent local licensing, taxation and player protection requirements. Any legislative amendments may therefore have implications for both enforcement intensity and compliance expectations for online stakeholders active in the Lithuanian market.

Further details on the proposed reforms are anticipated once the interagency initiative advances to the legislative stage.