Netflix, in an attempt to prevent unauthorized streaming of their video content, is stepping up their efforts to block VPN (Virtual Private Network) users. Netflix has blocked geo-blocked its content so that subscribers from other countries cannot stream it to their computers or other devices.
Subscribers from other parts of the globe are accustomed to logging into the U.S. version of Netflix using a VPN. The company is now blocking this from happening. Subscribers who try this will see error messages such as “Streaming Error” or “Whoops! Something went wrong” when they attempt to access Netflix’s content using a VPN.
Earlier in January 2016 the company had stated that they intended to start blocking content to other countries by restricting access and tightening their protocol methods. Netflix states that people were using unblocking programs or proxies to trick their system into thinking that they were actually in the U.S.
Netflix claims that they aren’t trying to be mean or punish paying customers, but that movie and television show licenses are generally issued for specific geographic locations. By not at least trying to block subscribers from watching shows not licensed in their area, Netflix could lose some of these licenses.
The company offers service in 190 countries. Netflix has stated that they are attempting to eliminate licensing issues and allow all subscribers to watch whatever programs that Netflix has available. Unfortunately, the company faces an uphill battle with those who issue licenses.
This recent decision to block VPN’s does not appear to have hurt the number of subscribers, however. The company states that they added a record 5.59 million new subscribers in the fourth quarter and that they expect to add an additional 6.1 million new customers in the first quarter of 2016. On January 1st of this year, Netflix crossed over the 17 million subscriber mark, proving, once again, that they are the king of online streaming programs.
Netflix reported a net income in the fourth quarter of $43 million.
Source: RTT News
xNetflix, in an attempt to prevent unauthorized streaming of their video content, is stepping up their efforts to block VPN (Virtual Private Network) users. Netflix has blocked geo-blocked its content so that subscribers from other countries cannot stream it to their computers or other devices.
Subscribers from other parts of the globe are accustomed to logging into the U.S. version of Netflix using a VPN. The company is now blocking this from happening. Subscribers who try this will see error messages such as “Streaming Error” or “Whoops! Something went wrong” when they attempt to access Netflix’s content using a VPN.
Earlier in January 2016 the company had stated that they intended to start blocking content to other countries by restricting access and tightening their protocol methods. Netflix states that people were using unblocking programs or proxies to trick their system into thinking that they were actually in the U.S.
History
Netflix claims that they aren’t trying to be mean or punish paying customers, but that movie and television show licenses are generally issued for specific geographic locations. By not at least trying to block subscribers from watching shows not licensed in their area, Netflix could lose some of these licenses.
The company offers service in 190 countries. Netflix has stated that they are attempting to eliminate licensing issues and allow all subscribers to watch whatever programs that Netflix has available. Unfortunately, the company faces an uphill battle with those who issue licenses.
This recent decision to block VPN’s does not appear to have hurt the number of subscribers, however. The company states that they added a record 5.59 million new subscribers in the fourth quarter and that they expect to add an additional 6.1 million new customers in the first quarter of 2016. On January 1st of this year, Netflix crossed over the 17 million subscriber mark, proving, once again, that they are the king of online streaming programs.
Netflix reported a net income in the fourth quarter of $43 million.
Source: RTT News