Count the times you wanted to consume a particular content from an online source only to get notified that your access has been restricted. Also, have you ever come across a really great item you wanted to buy online from overseas, but to your dismay, you can’t add it to your cart because your location was blocked? That, my friend, is what you call geo-blocking.
Whether it’s legal or not is still an ongoing debate. First of all, there are constitutional reasons why some content providers do it. For example, it is applied in order to avoid certain copyright regulations in some countries. On the other hand, a particular country may be implementing certain laws that restrict a specific content or genre, while it is perfectly alright in the country where it has been produced.
Even so, there are several issues surrounding it that we can consider a downside. One example of this is that some online stores are using it so that they can assign varying prices for the same item depending on the buyer’s geographical location. That said, they can make their products more expensive for people who live in wealthy countries. Another example is that some authorities may be banning a particular content when there isn’t really anything wrong with it. Instead of being able to get the benefits from that content, the individuals who wish to access it might not do so at all.
What is Geo-Blocking?
When Geo-blocking is activated, it identifies your IP address and tracks and uses Pacific geolocation technology to see where you are. The IP address is like your home address or, more specifically, your postcode. It indicates the general area you’re in and also indicates the country that you’re in, where you’re currently connected to the internet. If the IP address is linked to a country or area that a specific website’s content should be inaccessible, then geo-blocking is activated, and you will not be able to access that website or that specific piece of content.
Unlike your postcode or zipcode, your Internet Protocol (IP) address can change depending on which internet provider you are using (ISP). This is because geographic information is included in each ISP, which means that depending on what your IP says, you can indicate that you are connecting from a different country.
Can a VPN Bypass Geo-Blocking?
There are various ways you can bypass geo-blocking. Browsing the internet through a VPN site is one of the easiest things you can do to make sure that the items you wish to purchase are always priced right and that the content you need is constantly accessible.
Your geo location can be traced through your IP address. And so, if your country is restricted to access some websites, content and items for sale, you’re easily blocked because of your IP address. Using a virtual private network (VPN) easily solves that matter. When browsing through a VPN, your original IP address is hidden. You’re using the VPN server’s IP address. So, say, your location has been restricted to access one eBook from the United States, but your VPN server is located in the US, you will be able to download that eBook even if you’re in an area where you’re not allowed to access it.
However, some of us shy away from using it because the loading speeds can be terrible. You’d rather use a normal web browser and miss out on the movies, music, publications and tickets you’re wishing for. That has to change from now on, though. There are options available; you don’t have to settle for something that’s unsatisfactory. There are even various measures you can do to find the best VPN out there that’s right for you, something that’s fast, reliable and affordable.
Is It Legal to Bypass Geo-Blocking?
Unless using a VPN is prohibited in your country, using one to access geoblocked content is not illegal, but it may have other consequences. You risk having your account suspended or terminated if you use a VPN to access geoblocked content in violation of the terms of the streaming service’s user agreement.
| Name | Price | Offer | Claim Deal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nord | £2.69 per month | 30-day money back guarantee | Claim Now >> |
| Private Internet Access | £2.19 per month | 30-day money-back guarantee | Claim Now >> |
| IPVanish | £5.17 per month | 30-day money back guarantee | Claim Now >> |
| Express VPN | £6.85 per month | 30-day money back guarantee | Claim Now >> |
| Windscribe | £3.25 per month | Unlimited data | Claim Now >> |
| CyberGhost | £1.99 per month | 45-day money back guarantee | Claim Now >> |
How to Choose the Best VPN For Geo-Blocking
This would depend a lot on your needs. If you wish to bypass geo-blocking, you need to come up with a full list of sites, content providers and e-commerce sites that you use very often. Is that Netflix? Do you shop through Amazon? Do you often browse videos on YouTube? Where do you usually buy your airline tickets? The answers to those questions and other similar ones would give you a clue on which you choose. For example, a factor would be the location of the content providers you want to access. Using a VPN service from the same location would be a wise choice.
It’s important to get to know more about the service itself. Is it really fast? Is it reliable? Of course, every company would say so. But some could not live up to the expectations of the users. As mentioned, there are users who complain about VPNs slowing down the internet connection. You can find out more insights by reading comprehensive reviews. Browse through social media chatter, too. Nowadays, it’s easy to know people’s opinions about a particular product or service because they are very open about it; they post it on social networking sites. You’ll surely make a more informed decision by getting an in-depth knowledge about the service and learning more about other users’ experiences.
If you think this choice isn’t right for you, don’t worry. There are other effective ways you can bypass geo-blocking. Before you go, there’s one thing you need to answer honestly. Why do you really want to bypass geo restrictions? Hopefully, you’re doing so for just and reasonable reasons. If not, you only become one of the living proofs why geo-blocking should be strictly implemented at times.
Can I Get In Trouble For Accessing Geo-Blocked Content?
You risk having your account suspended or terminated if you use a VPN to access geoblocked content in violation of the terms of the streaming service’s user agreement. If you use a VPN to view stuff that is prohibited in your area, you may also run afoul of the law. Before using a VPN with any app, game, or other service, we suggest reviewing the terms of service. Additionally, keep in mind that even if you use a VPN to hide your location, criminal action is still unlawful.
What Are Some Examples of Geo-Blocking?
There are different sites that can geo-block you. From shopping websites to streaming services. Here are some examples of geo-blocking:
Amazon Prime
Amazon will not only block access to some of its streaming content, but it will also block access to other types of content depending on your location. This includes software, audiobooks, games and other digital content. This is because the same restrictions that apply to TV or movies could apply to other content, which means that it needs to be geo-blocked. Like Netflix, Amazon has been known to block the IP addresses of some of the biggest and well-known VPN companies. They’re wise!
Netflix
Netflix is available in an incredible 190 countries, and that means that there are 190 different libraries. This isn’t just the local content created in the language or by different producers; the copyright holders of some of the largest movies and TV series shown on Netflix have specific licensing agreements based on different regions. When a producer signs an agreement with Netflix, they will specify where in the world Netflix can show this content. A show that is available in the UK might not be available in the US, and vice versa. This is why there is only a limited number of TV shows and movies available to stream on the Netflix app. They need to be sure that Netflix has the license for that content worldwide.
Youtube
YouTube is similar to Netflix and Amazon Prime in that the content from creators is not available in every country. YouTube puts the power in the creator’s hands and allows them to choose where their content is viewable. The owners of the copyright are able to file a copyright claim on unauthorised video uploads that are on YouTube. Many of the videos are restricted to a region or can, in fact, be removed from YouTube if the original owner files a claim.
Live Sports
Broadcasters pay huge amounts of money to show Live sports on TV and so are protective of the money that they’ve paid. The Premier League in the UK or the Olympics are good examples of selling broadcasting rights. Depending on the country you are watching the Olympics in, you’ll see different coverage depending on where your athletes are competing.
