Blocking the unblockers: Netflix launches clampdown on viewers using proxies

Netflix has declared war on subscribers who use an internet dodge to watch content not available in their home countries. The video streaming service says it is clamping down on those who resort to proxy servers to get round restrictions on  popular shows such as House Of Cards and Orange Is The New Black. “Ultimately, the aim is to provide a service around the world that is more similar than not. Using VPNs or proxies to virtually cross borders violates Netflix’s terms of use because of licensing restrictions on TV shows and movies,” the company said. It was not clear how it would stop the use of so-called unblocking services but said it would unleash “a variety of technologies”.

If all of our content were globally available, there wouldn’t be a reason for members to use proxies or unblockers

David Fullagar, Netflix vice-president

The announcement comes just a week after Netflix went live in more than 130 countries, covering almost the entire globe except China. India, Nigeria, Russia and Saudi Arabia were among the 130 countries where the service was launched last week. However, not all of its shows will be available immediately to subscribers in certain countries driving some subscribers to proxy servers, which disguise the geographic location of the viewer. “The strategy is simple - they have a responsibility to content owners to only show that content in the geographies for which they have a license. Enforcing those restrictions is a Netflix responsibility,” said Brian Blau, research director at Gartner.

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