Claims Netflix experimenting with blocking Australian VPN users
Netflix appears to be experimenting with ways to block users from accessing its streaming platform using a geo-blocker or a virtual private network (VPN) ahead of its launch in Australia in the first quarter of this year, according to a report from TorrentFreak.
According to reportsVPN provider TorGuard has reported a surge in access problems by its users, starting mid-December, although some of the blocking efforts appear to have been temporary.
TorGuard’s Ben Van der Pelt told TorrentFreak: “I have a sneaking suspicion that Netflix may be testing these new IP blocking methods temporarily in certain markets. At this time the blocks do not seem aggressive and may only be targeted at IP ranges that exceed too many simultaneous logins.”
It is estimated between 200,000 and 340,000 Australians currently access the US site using a VPN. in December Cliff Edwards, Netflix director of corporate communications, told Lifehacker it was “very hard to track someone down” using a VPN, but added: “We say very clearly that VPNs violate the terms of our service, and we believe that people who license content should get paid for it.”
While Netflix is due to launch in Australia by March it has been suggested uncertainty around whether Netflix Original Series including House of Cards and Orange is the New Black, as well as a lack of clarity on the pricing of the service, would mean Australians using the US service via VPNs would not be persuaded to switch to the local version.
Netflix is reportedly experimenting with a number of blocking methods including querying the user’s time zone through the web browser or mobile device GPS and comparing it to the timezone of their IP-address and forcing Google’s DNS services in the Android app.
TorGuard told TorrentFreak that it will provide an “easy solution to bypass the blocks” if Netflix continues with its blocking efforts.
Netflix has been approached for comment.
Related:
- Netflix will not have local presence as execs stress global platform and content investment
- Netflix to launch locally in March 2015
- Why Nine’s investment in Quickflix will make it harder for Netflix to launch in Australia
- The telco ‘triple play’ wars and not subscription video services will reshape the media landscape
- Presto boss: Netflix in Australia will be an inferior product
- Presto chango: Could free-to-air tie up help Foxtel counter Netflix
Surely Netflix can use a simple fix – commit to blocking any Australian credit cards on their US service.
User ID not verified.
So, I guess this means that they’re planning on some disparate pricing for Australia as well?
User ID not verified.
It’s just as bad on HULU but I pay my money each month and they dare call me a pirate. I WILL NOT be subscribing to the Australian service. We’ll be charged more, for access to less content and, suddenly, they won’t call us pirates anymore! Yet, if we do the same thing with a US account, we’re pirates. Interesting…
User ID not verified.
If Netflix Oz is a bit shitty,people will simply pirate and Netflix will lose 200000 + US subscribers
User ID not verified.
Yes, definitely sounds like Australian’s are going to pay a higher price (as usual) for this too, like all our imported services. We’re looking for a break here people!
User ID not verified.
of course they will block AU IP – you can’t launch in a country and allow the loophole … plus all IP blocker activity will count as US revenue and they will want this going into INTL revenue so they can show growth and also return on investment.
User ID not verified.
Hulu+ and Netflix operating without problems on my (Australain) based computer. This article seems a little preemptive
User ID not verified.
Katie,
Netflix released a statement to another site I was reading saying a big “I dunno…”
It says they hadn’t done anything and aren’t sure why there was some outages but to check with their VPN people.
Like yours, mine works fine as well.
There will always be a work around, always. No one is going to pay more, for less and be happy about it.
And to anyone bright enough to get everyone on board…
If there was a service where I could pay a similar fee (10-30 a month) for a media streaming service where I could access shows at the same time (or within a few hours) of them being released say in the States for example.. I would have no need for piracy would I? It would be convenient and easy and I would have it in a heartbeat.
Shut up and take my money?
User ID not verified.