Netflix is cracking down on proxy users

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The practice of using VPNs to spoof one's location to the Netflix servers has long allowed those outside the US to watch American content that was not available locally. But in the wake of the launch of Netflix Everywhere, the company's new global service initiative, that practice is kaput. Netflix announced on Thursday that it is cracking down on users that use VPNs to get around the company's geographic content restrictions.

"Given the historic practice of licensing content by geographic territories, the TV shows and movies we offer differ, to varying degrees, by territory," David Fullagar, Vice President of Content Delivery Architecture, wrote in the company's blog. "We will continue to respect and enforce content licensing by geographic location."

To that end, Netflix has employed "evolving" proxy detectors -- reportedly "the same or similar measures other firms do" -- to hunt down and disable geographic scofflaws. In the past, services like Hulu and iPlayer have been more active in blocking proxy users, and it appears Netflix will join them -- in sharp contrast to how it treats account sharing, which Reed Hastings has repeatedly said is not an issue. At least, restrict them to watching only what is locally licensed. This shouldn't affect users that don't use proxies, however. The company says it's working to license its entire content library worldwide but, with more than 190 countries to contend with, that probably won't happen any time soon.

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Source: http://www.engadget.com/2016/01/14/netflix-is-cracking-down-on-proxy-users/

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"Netflix is cracking down on proxy users" :: Login/Create an Account :: 46 comments

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KatsumiPosted:

Confederation I never got why changing your DNS is such a big deal.

Everything on Netflix should be the same no matter what Country you're in.

We all pay the same price, don't we?


I'm pretty sure you can't get some content due to legal issues

ConfederationPosted:

I never got why changing your DNS is such a big deal.

Everything on Netflix should be the same no matter what Country you're in.

We all pay the same price, don't we?

MushroomElmPosted:

KyloRen Anyone that thinks this is a good thing is a complete moron. The UK and AUS version's of Netflix are AWFUL. There are barely any movies, or TV Series. Plus, no joke there are more BRITISH films and TV shows on the American Netflix than there are on the bloody UK version. Netflix is a disgrace in the UK and US the only way you get your money's worth is by using a VPN to access the US version!


The US version is a joke to us here too, you know. I use a VPN to watch movies on the German servers. Germany has an amazing selection of movies to watch, in English. The only problem is: German subtitles are the only offer. Ugh. But I can pass that up for the good movie selection.

HaloPosted:

I thought they were already trying to do this, I'm trying to get access to foreign netflix because US netflix sucks after you've seen everything

JVPosted:

Anyone that thinks this is a good thing is a complete moron. The UK and AUS version's of Netflix are AWFUL. There are barely any movies, or TV Series. Plus, no joke there are more BRITISH films and TV shows on the American Netflix than there are on the bloody UK version. Netflix is a disgrace in the UK and US the only way you get your money's worth is by using a VPN to access the US version!

67-Posted:

Thats bs uk netflix is boring if im paying i should be able to do what i want with my account

HurlehPosted:

I love using American Netflix so much more choice they better not take it away. Why don't they just make Netflix all the same every country or atleast update it more.

goonbagPosted:

this really sucks lol. Australian netflix is trash theres nothing on there

Mine_TurtlePosted:

DeluxeHazard Why does Netflix region lock shows anyways? Wouldn't allowing everyone to watch shows from any country bring in more money for Netflix?


Because some country's have licences to specific shows I.E before last year U.S Had full licence to Disney shows. Including All seasons to Futurama. (Which Canada does not have)

It's hard for me to explain. But you can always ask them. :3

DeluxeHazardPosted:

Why does Netflix region lock shows anyways? Wouldn't allowing everyone to watch shows from any country bring in more money for Netflix?