Following the news that Netflix will begin blocking access to its service by a home connected to a VPN, proxy or any other location-obfuscating service, the companies behind those services have rallied, not just denouncing Netflix’s stance but also vowing to fight it.
Netflix is waging war on VPNs and other devices because they are often used to allow access to Netflix content that isn’t normally available in a specific territory. Both VPN’s and proxies can be used to allow users to make it appear as if they are anywhere in the world, unlocking a plethora of Netflix content in the process. Unfortunately, the companies who provide the content to the streaming giant aren’t too pleased by that, forcing Netflix to take action.
In an article on TorrentFreak, TorGuard’s Ben van der Pelt has told his customers to get in touch if they have any issues using Netflix when connected to his company’s services, saying that “VPN users who encounter Netflix access problems are encouraged to contact us for a working solution.” Other VPN providers have also weighed in on the matter, commenting that Netflix’s decision goes against Net Neutrality and will prove to be a thorn in the side for users who employ VPN services for the privacy and security they offer.
“As a Netflix customer, I know that they collect my billing information, including my mailing address and country. Why doesn’t Netflix use the customer billing information to display the correct content to users?” asked Golden Frog President Sunday Yokubaitis.
Netflix itself has already admitted that it should not be too difficult for the providers of VPN services and the like to circumvent their new checks, and it is exactly right. Numerous companies have already said outright that if they have customers that report issues viewing content on Netflix due to their IP addresses being blocked, they will simply move to a new range of IPs in an attempt to regain access for their users. It’s a digital game of cat and mouse that will be very difficult for Netflix to win while the VPN providers have the stomach for the fight.
(Source: TorrentFreak)
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