Netflix VPN Crackdown Drives Some Back to Piracy Ever since Netflix ramped up international availability it has quietly been waging war on VPN users that use the technology to bypass regional viewing restrictions. Even though Netflix has effectively admitted that truly blocking VPN users is all but impossible, and most VPN companies have already found a way around the restrictions, the streaming giant has engaged in the token VPN blocking efforts to calm international broadcast partners, worried about Netflix's threat to traditional broadcaster power.

And at least judging by Netflix's earnings , these annoyed users aren't leaving, resulting in Netflix CEO Reed Hastings taking a bit of a flippant tone toward VPN users, many of which are solely using the technology for privacy or security. "It's a very small, but quite vocal minority," Hastings said. "So it's really inconsequential to us." But Hastings might not want to be so flippant. According to the quote: Lorenz cut her cable because she was frustrated with her TV provider's cost, content selection and service. So she signed up for Netflix but, once again, she believes she's getting a raw deal. "It's kind of frustrating because you try to be legal, you try to be above board. And they're just big bullies and I'm really tired of big bullies." Now Lorenz is considering downloading unauthorized content to get the shows she no can no longer access. Again, if you have a modicum of technical knowledge it's not hard to find a VPN provider that has found ways to bypass Netflix's VPN crackdown. But many users aren't going to bother with VPNs, and instead will pursue the simplest method to access the content they're looking for. But Hastings might not want to be so flippant. According to the CBC , customers annoyed by Netflix's VPN crackdown say they're planning to revert to piracy to access the content they're looking for:Again, if you have a modicum of technical knowledge it's not hard to find a VPN provider that has found ways to bypass Netflix's VPN crackdown. But many users aren't going to bother with VPNs, and instead will pursue the simplest method to access the content they're looking for.







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Most recommended from 53 comments

elefante72

join:2010-12-03

East Amherst, NY 17 recommendations elefante72 Member Its not Netflix Fault The rightsholders for the content dictate their distribution, and if they say if you live in Canada, then you use the Canada Netflix catalogue. The content companies I am sure are pressuring Netflix to abide by it's contracts, and is making a "show" of it to block users.



This is NOT Netflix fault. They would LOVE to offer every show to every geography.



Those who get upset at Netflix don't understand it's not Netflix and you are not supposed to bypass geography restrictions so if they try to, then they get upset like it's a personal affront and somehow cancelling service will "teach" Netflix a lesson.



On a more micro note, if you thing Netflix is bad, just take a look at the geography restrictions on sports. I live 80 miles from Toronto, no blackout, but 450 from NYC and it's a "local" market and to watch anything mobile, I have to use a VPN even though I specifically PAY for it (unlike Netlifx where that may not be the case). Call that ridiculous.



BTW its not just Netflix. Pandora doesn't work at all in Canada and a number of other services for that matter. Kearnstd

Space Elf

Premium Member

join:2002-01-22

Mullica Hill, NJ 11 recommendations Kearnstd Premium Member Geoblocks should be banned If only we could pen in outlaw of geoblocking of content into the various free trade agreements the world would be better place for viewers and content companies, Geographical content control is a relic of an era when the movie had to be shipped by ships to each major land mass. Today video content is able to be transported anywhere with a data connection so why should location make a difference?

Makaveli998

join:2002-04-23

Toronto, ON 9 recommendations Makaveli998 Member Is anyone really surprised! Not surprised.



Give the people what they want or they will take it. zod5000

join:2003-10-21

Victoria, BC ·TELUS

·Shaw

4 recommendations zod5000 Member Streaming is going the way of cable..... Netflix was successful because it offered a boatload of content under one roof for a low monthly fee. Now that other competitors are comining, the content is becoming fragmented amongst multiple streaming services. Rather than pay $10/month to netflix, you need to buy netflix, hulu, amazon, CBS (For the new trek show) etc... People went to netflix to avoid paying huge cable bills, they don't to pay for several streaming services. Piracy once again looks more attractive.

Costa

proud PIE-RATE

join:2007-07-06

Selden, NY 2 recommendations Costa Member Remember one thing folks.... No one got rich by "playing by the rules".