With the global reach of streaming platforms like Netflix, viewers worldwide can access various movies and TV shows at their fingertips. However, due to licensing restrictions, the content available can vary significantly from one country to another.
This disparity has led many to turn to Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) to access a broader range of titles. But this practice raises an important question: Is watching Netflix with a VPN legal?
This article answers that question and subsequently will assist you when considering if it’s safe to use a VPN with Netflix and examining the pros and cons of using a VPN with Netflix.
Netflix and VPNs
Netflix understands that some of its customers work with a VPN to access content from other regions.
Netflix frowns upon this because the company has licensing agreements with content creators that specify where certain movies or TV shows can be shown. So, when someone in, say, the UK uses a VPN to access content only licensed for the US, it goes against these agreements.
Netflix’s Terms of Use state, “You may access the Netflix content primarily within the country in which you have established your account and only in geographic locations where we offer our service and have licensed such content.” And “You also agree not to circumvent, remove, alter, deactivate, degrade or thwart any of the content protections in the Netflix service; use any robot, spider, scraper or other automated means to access the Netflix service… We may terminate or restrict your use of our service if you violate these Terms of Use or are engaged in illegal or fraudulent use of the service.” It doesn’t explicitly say that using a VPN is illegal. Instead, the emphasis is on the geographic restrictions of the content.
In practical terms, Netflix blocks VPNs to ensure users only access content from their designated regions. If you’re found using one, you might encounter an error message urging you to turn off your VPN, indicating you’re coming across Netflix not working with VPN issues.
However, Netflix doesn’t typically ban users for this behaviour; they just try to make it more challenging to watch Netflix outside of your region.
Legality VS Violation of Terms
Using a VPN with Netflix may be against its terms of service, but this doesn’t necessarily make it illegal. Using a VPN to watch Netflix is legal, but circumventing its regional restrictions might not be.
Netflix sets its policies, and violating these might result in consequences, such as suspension of your account or restricted access to content. However, just because Netflix says you shouldn’t do something in its terms doesn’t mean you’re breaking the law.
On the other hand, legality pertains to the laws set by governments. In some countries – China, Russia, Iran, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, North Korea, Iraq, Belarus, Turkmenistan, Egypt, Eritrea, Seychelles, Suriname, Namibia, Slovenia, Nicaragua and Tajikistan – the use of VPNs as a whole might be illegal or heavily regulated.
It’s essential to be aware of both Netflix’s terms and your country’s laws to understand the potential risks of watching Netflix with a VPN.
What are the consequences of watching Netflix with a VPN?
Using a free VPN with Netflix or even the best VPNs for Netflix can lead to several outcomes, and not all of them are positive.
One of the most common issues you might encounter is an inability to access certain content. Sometimes, Netflix can detect and block VPN servers. This means even if you’re using a good VPN for Netflix, you might find yourself unable to watch the show or movie you wanted.
Another potential problem is account suspension. If Netflix detects that you’re using a VPN to access content unavailable in your region, it might suspend your account. This is because using a VPN to bypass regional restrictions goes against Netflix’s terms of service. However, as of the time of writing, no one has been banned for watching Netflix with a VPN.
Lastly, while VPNs are excellent tools for privacy and security, they can sometimes slow down your internet connection. If you’re using a VPN while streaming, you might experience buffering or a drop in video quality.
Does Netflix block VPNs?
When people use VPNs, they can mask their location and pretend to be in another country. This allows them to access content not available in their real location.
To uphold its licensing agreements and ensure viewers can only watch content available in their region, Netflix has started blocking VPNs.
If Netflix detects you’re using a VPN, it might prevent you from streaming, and you’ll come across an error message.
This doesn’t mean all VPNs are blocked; some might still work. For those seeking solutions, looking for the best free VPNs for Netflix could be a viable option. However, it’s a continuous battle between Netflix and VPN providers. As Netflix identifies and blocks a VPN, the VPN provider tries to find a way around the block.
So, while you might find a VPN that works with Netflix today, there’s no guarantee it will work tomorrow.
