For those utilizing VPNs, proxies and unblocking tools to access geo-restricted content on Netflix, the party may soon be over. According to an announcement by the company's Vice President of Content Delivery Architecture, people using such services will
face new roadblocks in the coming weeks. While increasing numbers of people are becoming tuned in to the joys of Netflix, growing numbers of subscribers are discovering a whole new world of content beyond what the service offers them as standard.
Netflix serves healthy libraries of content to many regions, but users in countries such as the United States get access to far more content than those located elsewhere. Likewise, not all European countries are served equally, with citizens of Italy
falling short on content offered in the UK, for example.
As a result more and more customers of Netflix are bypassing restrictions designed to limit subscribers to content designated to their home countries. This is usually achieved by using a
generic VPN or proxy service but some companies offer dedicated products to unlock Netflix on a global basis.
Even though Netflix admits it takes measures to try and limit the use of its service in this manner, the situation has traditionally
seemed of minor interest to the company. However, in recent months Netflix has addressed the issue several times in the media and today has given the clearest sign yet that a crackdown is imminent.
In a post to Netflix's blog today, Vice President
of Content Delivery Architecture David Fullagar said that while the company would continue to break down borders in order to offer content to the broadest possible audience, measures will be taken to ensure that content licensing agreements are
respected.
That means that circumvention devices -- VPNs, proxies and similar tools -- will fall further under the company's spotlight.
Some members use proxies or 'unblockers' to access titles available outside
their territory. To address this, we employ the same or similar measures other firms do, Fullagar says.
This technology continues to evolve and we are evolving with it. That means in coming weeks, those using proxies and
unblockers will only be able to access the service in the country where they currently are.
The news will come as a blow to those enjoying the best possible Netflix experience, especially those in countries where the local library is
limited compared to that of the United States, for example.
Note: While VPNs were not mentioned in the announcement, Netflix confirmed to TorrentFreak that these services will be targeted as well.