One of the downsides to Netflix is the simple fact that certain content is only available in certain regions. As a result, there are a number of users who use proxy services or Chrome extensions to fool the streaming service into thinking they are in another region than they actually are, allowing them to access content not available in their area. In a statement released today, David Fullagar, VP of Content Delivery Architecture at Netflix, announced that they will be taking steps in the coming weeks to counter proxies and unblockers.
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. 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. We are confident this change won’t impact members not using proxies.
Netflix is currently working on trying to license content globally, and last week opened up the service to just about every country in the world in a bid to be able to offer streaming content globally. Because TV shows and movies are still licensed according to geographic boundaries, Netflix has to respect and enforce their content licensing based on geographic location. Fullagar goes on to mention that one of the main goals they are pushing towards is being able to offer all of their content everywhere for anyone to enjoy without having to use a proxy.
Until then, these new measures will restrict users to content that is only available in their physical region.
What do you think about these new enforcement steps by Netflix? Let us know in the comments below or on Google+, Twitter, or Facebook.
[button link=”https://media.netflix.com/en/company-blog/evolving-proxy-detection-as-a-global-service” icon=”fa-external-link” side=”left” target=”blank” color=”285b5e” textcolor=”ffffff”]Source: Netflix[/button]
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