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Netflix just stepped up efforts to block VPN users from streaming its content

Updated Dec 19th, 2018 9:13PM EST
Netflix VPN Blocking Crackdown Begins

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We’ve known for a while now about Netflix’s plans to crack down on subscribers using VPNs to circumvent nation-based restrictions and to access unauthorized content. Even though Netflix may have no chance of winning the long-term battle against VPN pirates, the company still feels it has to at least make an effort to stop users from breaking the rules. GHacks.net brings us word that Netflix’s crackdown on VPNs has started becoming more widespread as several VPN-using Netflix subscribers are getting error messages when they try to watch shows on their accounts.

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Here’s a screencap showing what the error message will look like if you try to watch movies with your VPN turned on:

“This error occurs when our systems have detected that you are connecting via a VPN, proxy, or ‘unblocker’ service,” Netflix says in its explanation of the error message. “Because our content library can vary by region and these types of connections are frequently used to bypass geolocation methods, you will not be able to stream when connected in this way.”

GHacks.net has confirmed that several VPN services are being affected by this crackdown, including Mediahint, Zenmate, Betternet, AppVPN, ExpressVPN, Tunnelbear, and Private Internet Access.

To learn more details about how Netflix might be blocking these services and to get some ideas for possible workarounds, check out the full GHacks.net post at this link.

Brad Reed
Brad Reed Staff Writer

Brad Reed has written about technology for over eight years at BGR.com and Network World. Prior to that, he wrote freelance stories for political publications such as AlterNet and the American Prospect. He has a Master's Degree in Business and Economics Journalism from Boston University.