Consumer groups and rights holders are at loggerheads over proposed changes to the Copyright Act which could see virtual private networks (VPNs) banned, preventing Australians from "geo-dodging" to access online content overseas.

The Australian Communications Consumer Action Network (ACCAN) says ambiguity in the Copyright Amendment (Online Infringement) Bill 2015, currently before parliament, could see VPNs lumped with websites which "facilitate" copyright infringement such as The Pirate Bay or Isohunt, which rights holders will be able to apply to have blocked in Australia under the changes.

Australian housing is among the most unaffordable in the world, a Demographia survey shows. Credit:James Davies

In a submission to a Senate inquiry regarding the legislation, ACCAN said banning VPNs would reduce competition and drive up costs for consumers, and called for a cost-benefit analysis of the scheme.