Why Doesn’t Netflix Allow VPN?

You may have already encountered difficulties connecting to Netflix through a VPN. As part of its ongoing efforts to prevent illegal access to its library, Netflix experimented with new techniques. As a result, legitimate Netflix subscribers that use a VPN are accidentally blocked from accessing the service. 

Netflix primarily doesn’t allow users to access their services using VPNs. They are under pressure from major film studios to act against those outside of the United States who use VPNs that bypass Netflix restriction. 

If you subscribe to Netflix in the United States, you can access its content from anywhere in the world. Netflix will then be available in countries where Netflix does not have a license to broadcast its content. That’s why tens of thousands of Netflix users have shifted their location to the United States to access the vastly more extensive catalog of American Netflix. 

Nevertheless, Netflix is updating its policies in response to unauthorized access by blocking VPN users strictly now. 

Why Doesn’t Netflix Allow VPN?

It may be unclear to users why a VPN isn’t allowed to be used to view Netflix. In accordance, Netflix is not responsible for all content available on its site. All of this is a matter of ownership and authorization. Because of this, it is obligated to abide by the terms of the shows it licenses, which often include geographical limitations.

Netflix has some of its content, such as Netflix Originals, under its control. Obtaining the remaining content comes from licensing agreements with content providers and studios. Owners of content deal with subscription streaming services, broadcast networks, and cable companies worldwide. 

You may find that the content you seek was licensed to Netflix in one country but another provider in the USA. Undoubtedly, a distribution contract for the United States has not yet been finalized. As a result, Netflix is not permitted to broadcast that video in the United States. As a result, it does not seem like a choice to some viewers.

By using a VPN, streamers can bypass this geographical restriction. Due to this, Netflix works with content creators to prevent users from streaming content in countries where the video isn’t licensed for viewing.

Mainly Netflix content is classified into two categories:

• Netflix Original Content

In other words, this is Netflix’s personal intellectual property (IP), which it owns and can use however it wishes. All members can now watch Netflix Originals simultaneously regardless of their location, so you don’t need a VPN to view them.

There are some outliers with older Netflix Originals released before Netflix was available in so many countries. Several third-party networks in Indonesia, Tanzania, and other countries own the rights to shows like Orange Is the New Black, so Netflix customers can’t access it without a VPN.

There is no intention for Netflix to apply any geographical-based limits to its customers. According to Netflix, this would be a global platform with no license agreements and no VPN requirement. That’s unfortunately not the case.

• Licensed Content

The majority of Netflix’s content is created by third parties who retain control of their intellectual property. They sign lucrative deals with streaming services and broadcasters worldwide, usually requiring exclusive rights to broadcast the content in a given country. 

Let’s say a US production company offers the BBC exclusive rights to broadcast a TV show in the UK. In addition, a part of the deal specifies that no other British broadcaster can distribute the show in the UK, including Netflix. Netflix is simply one of their clients, so it is up to third-party distributors to decide how and when to license their content.

According to its contract with third-party creators, Netflix has chosen to prohibit users of VPNs from watching content on its platform. This is because it is not allowed to be screened in their country.

What Is Netflix’s Policy On VPNs?

Netflix maintains a block list of IP addresses that it knows to belong to VPN providers. When you use a VPN server to watch Netflix, if the IP address is on that list, Netflix will allow you to check-in but not to watch. 

Netflix keeps track of each IP address to see how many devices are attached to it. If many people connect to Netflix using the same VPN server, Netflix is likely to block that IP address as a VPN.

Conclusion

Netflix users can use VPNs without violating the law. By contrast, Netflix’s users are not able to circumvent geo-restrictions. Although the streaming service may suspend your account, no such cases have been documented yet. As a result, Netflix has a vested interest in keeping its subscribers.

Netflix does not permit VPN connections, but there are ways to get around this restriction. It is essential to use a VPN service that uses streaming-specific servers and regularly changes its IP addresses.