BLOCKED: Netflix is starting to crack down on VPNs.

Kiwi access to the United States version of Netflix through VPNs could be cut off soon, with the internet streaming giant reportedly beginning to block subscribers who use tools that bypass geolocation restrictions.

However, the providers of 'Global Mode' services say Netflix will remain available for their users.

It comes as the company prepares to launch a local version of its service in New Zealand and Australia in March, which won't include the same content as its US service and is likely to be less attractive to subscribers. It also follows US streaming service Hulu blocking similar circumvention tools in April last year.

The crackdown reportedly began over the Christmas break, when several providers of virtual private networks (VPNs) - tools used to make it appear you are in another country - noticed their internet protocol (IP) address ranges blocked from accessing Netflix, according to TorrentFreak, a blog that reports news and trends on file sharing.

An updated version of Netflix's Android app also started to make it harder to bypass location restrictions, the blog said.