Netflix has cracked down on VPN users who attempt to bypass country-based content restrictions and has started with Australian users.
Before the launch of Netflix in Australia in March last year, many VPN users were accessing the US service but with the advent of the local version of the service, the streaming giant is trying to protect copyright, local distribution rights and contracts. It is estimated that before the Australian Netflix launch, 340,000 Australians were already accessing Netflix US content.
According to Roy Morgan research in December, Netflix was being watched by 2.73 million Australians. Australian users are only able to access about one-sixth of the content available on Netflix USA.
In late January, some Australian and New Zealand customers were the first to feel the wrath of the Netflix crackdown. Those initially targeted received notifications that they had to remove their unblocking service or VPN. Otherwise there would be no content access.
A few days later Melbourne-based unblocking service uFlix.com.au had declared that it had put “a fix” in place to negate Netflix’s attempts.
Local users are now bracing for further technical blocks from Netflix.
Netflix has recently ramped up its global expansion with 130 new countries in its footprint and as such needs to keep local rightsholders happy.
In the past, Netflix admitted detecting cross-border watchers was a challenge, likening it to "playing a game of whack-a-mole." Netflix vice-president of content, David Fullagar, stated in a recent blog post that the technology to crackdown on abusers "continues to evolve and we will evolve with it." He also promised action in the coming weeks.
"If all of our content w ere globally available, there wouldn't be a reason for members … to fool our systems into thinking they're in a different country than they're actually in," said Netflix's Fuller in his post.
CombiTel
Specialist IPTV systems integrator focusing on service providers and enterprises. CombiTel offers unmatched value to its clients based on its unique mix of skills and many years of experience in both Telecommunications and Broadcasting. We have a proven track record and happy customers in Australia and New Zealand.
More information: combitel.com.my
