Confusion reigns as global access to Netflix streaming via VPN no longer works

Netflix, the streaming content provider that also posts out DVDs in the mail across the USA and the UK market, has come under fire recently by customers finding that they can no longer access the service while aboard. Expats and people away on vacation like to connect to their Netflix account via the web site or the Netflix mobile app in order to view content on their chosen device.

Customers have been reporting that the Android app is preventing VPN services being used to appear to be accessing the Netflix streaming service from the user's home country rather than from abroad where they really are. The company has recently denied that this is in fact the case which begs the question what is happening here?

Segmented Content

The issue with digital content rights is not a new one but an increasingly different one for steaming media companies to manage. A movie will have the distribution rights sold for individual countries or territories, rather than always being sold to a single distributor covering the globe. As such, movies can be authorized for Americans to view but not British customers of the Netflix UK service when the licensing rights for UK distribution have not been confirmed.

Should Users Be Able To Access Content Abroad?

This situation creates a problem when it comes to distribution to users who are out of the specific country Netflix has the right to stream content in. Is the user still American or British, or is the fact that they are outside the country mean they are not entitled to view content in their own Netflix library? When some customers experience blocks due to their location some have been using VPN services to appear to be still located in their home country to get around the block. However, not all of these methods are still working.

It is tricky issue for Netflix where it tries to meet licensing agreements while knowing the customers who are abroad are getting around the restrictions using VPN services to do so. The company ends up caught in the middle a little bit and now with some VPN services not working correctly with Netflix, the company is getting some negative press even though they may have done nothing wrong.

Virtual Private Networks Explained

Download3K have a detailed article explaining the importance of Virtual Private Networks and how they work. It is aimed at users who know little (or nothing) about them and would like to understand more.

Recommended VPN Providers

We have a new round up of the best VPN apps from solid providers who should be able to provide an effective service to expats and people traveling abroad. We recommend taking a look there for some ideas on an effective VPN apps to use.