Netflix to crack down on customers using VPNs to access global library
The company ultimately plans to offer a universal catalog to all users worldwide, regardless of their location.
A week after its global launch, online on-demand video streaming service Netflix has said it will crack down on customers who use virtual private networks to access titles that are not available in their country. “In coming weeks, those members using proxies and unblockers will only be able to access the service in the country where they currently are,” the American company said in a statement.
Users install VPN software to gain access to the full Netflix international library, rather than limited local selections. Tech Crunch reported that Netflix has traditionally been sympathetic to VPN users, but now that the stakes are global, it has little option but to impose restrictions in order to appease content producers and licensing agreements.
The company ultimately plans to offer a universal catalog to all users worldwide, regardless of their location. However, it admitted that it has “a way to go before we can offer people the same films and TV series everywhere”. Netflix launched in 130 new countries, including India, last week. The company plans to plans to release 31 new and returning original series, 24 original feature films and documentaries, and a wide range of stand-up comedy shows this year.