Article content continued

With the Canadian Copyright Modernization Act’s final portion going into effect on Jan. 1, forcing internet service providers (ISPs) to forward copyright holders violation claims to their customers, many Canadians are seeking ways to hide their identity online.

Read more

[/np_storybar]

VPN services mask a user’s IP address – a 12 digit number identifying an online device – encrypting Internet activity in a secure, untraceable tunnel. This allows people to browse the Internet privately and also virtually move their device to different regions of the world, giving Canadians access to streaming services typically only available in the United States. This can also be accomplished through location-cloaking Domain Name System (DNS) providers.

While region jumpers are always paying subscription-based customers, they are still violating HBO’s terms of use. Unlike Netflix, which has consistently maintained a relatively lax approach to dealing with geo-unblocking, HBO is reportedly cracking down on Canadians, as well as people in other regions of the world, who are accessing HBO Now.

“It has come to our attention that you may have signed up for and viewed video content on the HBO NOW streaming service from outside of the authorized service area (the United States, including D.C. and certain US territories),” HBO writes in an email to unauthorized subscribers.

“We would like to take this opportunity to remind you that the HBO NOW streaming service is only available to residents of the United States, for use within the United States. Any other access is prohibited by our Terms of Use.”

Users in various regions, including Canada, U.K, Germany and Australia, have all reportedly received notifications from HBO. More importantly, the emails also state HBO will terminate any account associated with a VPN or DNS service on April 21 without the option for a refund. HBO is likely flagging a range of IP and DNS addresses it thinks might be associated with geo-unblocking, and is then notifying those users.

In Canada Bell Media holds almost exclusive online streaming rights for HBO television shows, and the only way to watch HBO content legally via the internet is through the company’s recently launched Netflix competitor, CraveTV, HBO Canada Online and the TMN Go app (which requires a subscription to Bell TV, Bell Fibe TV or Cogeco Cable). TMN Go gives Canadians access to all episodes and seasons of current HBO programming. HBO Canada Online is also available to Rogers, Videotron and Eastlink subscribers.

CraveTV only gives users access to HBO’s back-catalogue of content and not newer shows such as Game of Thrones, and also requires a subscription to a Bell Media cable service or one of the company’s partners.