NETFLIX users living abroad who use virtual private networks (VPNs) to watch shows blocked in their countries may no longer be able to use the tactic to do so.
The online television network has always prohibited certain American shows and movies from being seen in foreign countries due to licensing agreements. However, users living abroad have managed to mask their locations by using VPNs and various software, which fools Netflix into thinking the content is being streamed in the United States.
Similarly, some content available in other countries is not available in the US.
Movie studios have complained to Netflix that customers have been able to view restricted content, according to news reports.
Recently, users abroad have shared on social media that they can no longer view such content with the use of VPNs. For instance, some Reddit users said that the newly updated Netflix Android app no longer streams content if users use a VPN.
The company, however, said there is nothing new about the restrictions.
“Our policies have not recently changed,” Netflix spokesman Marlee Moseley said. “Virtually crossing borders to use Netflix is a violation of our terms of use because of content licensing restrictions, and we employ standard measures to prevent this kind of use.”
Netflix is available in 50 countries, but licensing agreements are different in each one.
(With reports from CNN)
(www.asianjournal.com)
(LA Midweek January 7-9, 2015 Sec. B pg.1)
