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New Post has been published on https://compevo.com/blog/vpn-blocking-by-netflix-sets-a-dangerous-precedent/

VPN Blocking by Netflix Sets a Dangerous Precedent

It could very well be that the issue of Netflix blocking VPN Account providers may be the defining moment for net neutrality and concern about internet privacy and freedom.

Just as soon as Netflix announced the block and people reported their favorite VPN was unable to access Netflix, it was reported that solutions from most VPN providers came out, while some were never affected.  To be fair and to be sure, you can bet Netflix does not want this publicity nor do they want to upset their customers.  Most analysts believe it is a result of the content providers themselves putting pressure on Netflix.

This is reminiscent of the Napster situation back in the early 2000s but possibly more dangerous because legitimate, paying customers of IPTV services feel they are under attack or getting the short end of things.  Shutting down Napster and similar services only caused copyright infringement to grow and become more popular and accessible.  Then along came the distributed BitTorrent protocol and it has made the situation far worse for copyright holders.

But in this case we feel there is more at stake and whether Netflix likes it or not, it has become a symbol of anti-neutrality in its attempts and apparent advice to customers to “stop using your VPN service” even if the VPN is in their service zone (eg. Canadians using a VPN in Canada being denied access to the Canadian Netflix for using a VPN).

What may happen?

There are many other similar services such as Hulu that others can use and if the paid content providers really do end up permanently blocking all VPNs it will just encourage people to stop using such services.  While we do not agree with the ramifications of Netflix blocking VPN services, it has to be said that they are in a tough position.  Netflix surely must know that it risks alienating its customer base or pushing itself out of the market.  It is a dangerous business move because people may stop using Netflix and similar services, the same market would then consider their local telco provider, or go back to purchasing physical media and/or downloading from elsewhere.

What is the future?

Ultimately we think there will be concessions from the content providers and services like Netflix, however if this does not happen then there are a few possible outcomes.  First of all Netflix will likely not last long and will lose a large chunk of its customer base, and secondly there may be other providers that popup from overseas that would offer similar services.  There are many websites that people use, reportedly hosted overseas that offer similar content and blocking VPN access would likely just make people find one of many methods, possibly free or cheaper to get the same content.