Google is prohibited from displaying the websites of a company accused of counterfeiting a Canadian technology company’s products, the top court determines.

It’s a global ban that has stunned free speech advocates.

The Supreme Court of Canada has ruled Google is barred from displaying anywhere in the world the websites of a company accused of counterfeiting a Canadian technology company’s products.

The 7-2 ruling has broad implications for freedom of expression, the reach of courts to protect intellectual property and other rights, and for the operations of Internet-based businesses.