netflix no more?

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gnfb

2609 posts

Uber Geek

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#160483 8-Jan-2015 10:15

Netflix is starting to block subscribers who access its service using VPN services and other tools that bypass geolocation restrictions. The changes, which may also affect legitimate users, have been requested by the movie studios who want full control over what people can see in their respective countries.
Article

Correct me if I am wrong but I thought the whole point of VPN was so that no one could tell who or where you are?

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nigelj

856 posts

Ultimate Geek

#1210404 8-Jan-2015 10:18

There were some follow-up articles that basically said those were a lot of FUD except for the fact that Netflix may be blocking what appeared to be commercial VPN endpoints that had a lot of connections. That is not something new.

While VPNs do offer 'protection' (assuming you trust the endpoint is doing the right thing) in that it makes it hard for the other end to work out who you are, it doesn't mean that people can't work out where endpoints are.

timbosan

2159 posts

Uber Geek

#1210414 8-Jan-2015 10:36

As noted, this is just FUD, my household watches Netflix, HuluPlus, BBC, etc almost daily, on unblock-us, and we have zero problems. I get 1080p in Netflix all the time, never have any problems with it. If you look at the other thread, and also the Engadget.com article, there are comments that Netflix makes 'noise' about doing something about VPN/DNS users to appease the studios.

(For note - I use both a PS3 and a HTPC for Netflix).

jonathan18

7413 posts

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#1210420 8-Jan-2015 10:51

gnfb: Netflix is starting to block subscribers who access its service using VPN services and other tools that bypass geolocation restrictions. The changes, which may also affect legitimate users, have been requested by the movie studios who want full control over what people can see in their respective countries.
Article

Correct me if I am wrong but I thought the whole point of VPN was so that no one could tell who or where you are?

FB, as we say in my family! (far behind...)

Discussed in this thread here - http://www.geekzone.co.nz/forums.asp?forumid=151&topicid=159747

ubergeeknz

3344 posts

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Vocus

#1210458 8-Jan-2015 11:27

The latest Android version uses 8.8.8.8 to do its DNS lookups. So they are doing some things to make it more difficult to circumvent geo restrictions at Sony's behest. There may be more to come.

deadlyllama

1260 posts

Uber Geek

Trusted

#1210459 8-Jan-2015 11:29

ubergeeknz: The latest Android version uses 8.8.8.8 to do its DNS lookups. So they are doing some things to make it more difficult to circumvent geo restrictions at Sony's behest. There may be more to come.

The Roku app has been doing that for ages (at least a year)... it's not a new technique. Orcon Global Mode handles it just fine.

gnfb

2609 posts

Uber Geek

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#1210464 8-Jan-2015 11:42

ahhhh

FUD FUD ??? ............... looking..

FUD

Scottish slang term meaning vagina.............?

better look again

Ahh
The definition of FUD is "Fear, Uncertainty, and Doubt"

that makes more sense

Is an English Man living in New Zealand. Not a writer, an Observer he says. Graham is a seasoned 'traveler" with his sometimes arrogant, but honest opinion on life. He loves the Internet!.

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nathan

5695 posts

Uber Geek
Inactive user

#1210656 8-Jan-2015 16:31

its not necessarily FUD

Hulu recently blocked VPN connections from VPNs like Astrill

its a chicken and mouse game though, and may have been done as a "tick in the box" to prove to copyright owners they are doing "something"

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wasabi2k

2096 posts

Uber Geek

#1210681 8-Jan-2015 16:59

nathan: its not necessarily FUD

Hulu recently blocked VPN connections from VPNs like Astrill

its a chicken and mouse game though, and may have been done as a "tick in the box" to prove to copyright owners they are doing "something"

Hulu and Vudu have always been far more restrictive than Netflix. Hulu was blocking VPN providers over 2 years ago.

ianajmes

130 posts

Master Geek

#1211000 9-Jan-2015 11:00

Thought users might be interested in this article. http://m.bbc.com/news/technology-30726631

sultanoswing

814 posts

Ultimate Geek

#1211497 10-Jan-2015 08:32

ianajmes: Thought users might be interested in this article. http://m.bbc.com/news/technology-30726631

I wish I was a "Thought user", but I find I need to use the mouse & keyboard. Oh well, the article was still interesting, if slightly old news.

It's also interesting to note that Netflix always says its *policy* hasn't changed. Of course the *implementation* of that policy may well have. Sneaky words are everywhere.