The streaming service is cracking down on people who use VPNs to access content from other countries.
Netflix is cracking down on users who bypass their restrictions on location, blocking those who use VPNs (Virtual Private Networks) to stream movies and TV programmes from abroad.
Currently only available in a few dozen countries, certain subscribers use tools to fool Netflix into believing they’re in a different location.
Movie studios are unhappy that some Netflix users are disregarding their licensing agreements, and have asked that Netflix start punishing subscribers who use VPNs — even if it impacts legitimate streamers.
Ben Van der Pelt, from TorGuard, told Torrent Freak: “This is a brand new development. A few weeks ago we received the first report from a handful of clients that Netflix blocked access due to VPN or proxy usage.
“This is the very first time I’ve heard Netflix displaying this type of error message to a VPN users.”
It is felt on social media that any crackdown will lead to people going back to pirating their favourite shows and films, which will ultimately have a negative impact on Netflix regardless of whether or not they withdraw VPN access.
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