Netflix will begin blocking attempts to use VPNs to bypass content restrictions. A statement posted online said that it will be cracking down on those who use a VPN to watch Netflix. That is, a ‘virtual private network’ that allows internet users to access content that is unavailable in their country, by acting as though they are connected to the internet from another country.
“We are making progress in licensing content across the world and, as of last week, now offer the Netflix service in 190 countries, but we have a ways to go before we can offer people the same films and TV series everywhere,” said David David Fullagar, Vice-President of Content Delivery Architecture at Netflix.
“Over time, we anticipate being able to do so. For now, given the historic practice of licensing content by geographic territories, the TV shows and movies we offer differ, to varying degrees, by territory. In the meantime, we will continue to respect and enforce content licensing by geographic location.”
To address VPN usage, “That means in coming weeks, those using proxies and unblockers will only be able to access the service in the country where they currently are. We are confident this change won’t impact members not using proxies.”
Netflix launched in the UAE earlier this month.
