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If you’re a UK Netflix user using a proxy server to access the US version of the streaming service, then the streaming service’s evolving proxy detection services will soon put an end to that, the company has claimed.
In a new statement posted by David Fullagar, the company’s Vice President of Content Delivery Architecture, it was revealed that Netflix will be focusing upon preventing users from accessing US content from outside the region. While this may take some time to enforce, it is hoped by the company that eventually the usage of proxy servers among Netflix users will be eradicated altogether.
Many international Netflix subscribers currently use proxy services such as Unblock-Us, which allow them to use the US version of Netflix on an IP address outside of the region. This allows them to gain entry to a wider pool of content, with the service’s line-up being more limited outside of the US due to licensing issues. However, the existence of Unblock-Us and other proxy services have also proved to be beneficial to Netflix, as it has enticed more customers by offering them a bigger roster of shows and movies, whilst not affecting their financial bottom line as users must still pay the streaming service’s subscription fees. However, while Netflix has largely turned a blind eye to proxy servers, it seems that increased pressure from distributors will now see them cracking down on this issue.
Louie is among the shows that aren’t available on Netflix UK.
Read Fullagar’s full statement regarding the company’s implementation of greater proxy detection below:
If all of our content were globally available, there wouldn’t be a reason for members to use proxies or “unblockers” to fool our systems into thinking they’re in a different country than they’re actually in. We are making progress in licensing content across the world and, as of last week, now offer the Netflix service in 190 countries, but we have a ways to go before we can offer people the same films and TV series everywhere.
Over time, we anticipate being able to do so. For now, given the historic practice of licensing content by geographic territories, the TV shows and movies we offer differ, to varying degrees, by territory. In the meantime, we will continue to respect and enforce content licensing by geographic location.
Some members use proxies or “unblockers” to access titles available outside their territory. To address this, we employ the same or similar measures other firms do. This technology continues to evolve and we are evolving with it. That means in coming weeks, those using proxies and unblockers will only be able to access the service in the country where they currently are. We are confident this change won’t impact members not using proxies.
We look forward to offering all of our content everywhere and to consumers being able to enjoy all of Netflix without using a proxy. That’s the goal we will keep pushing towards.
With so many being unimpressed with the line-up offered by the Netflix line-up for their region, doing away with proxy servers could prove to be very detrimental to the company. Hopefully Fullagar and the rest of the Netflix team seek to significantly up their game when it comes to licensing new content, as this new development could lead to a number of users cancelling their subscriptions in the near future.
