Netflix begins blocking users who bypass region locks

By Tim Schiesser

Netflix has begun blocking users' access to the service when it detects that a geolocation bypassing utility, such as a proxy or VPN, is being used. Although these blocks are currently limited in scope, it could be a precursor to a wider crackdown by the popular streaming service.

Over the past few weeks, some users who have been bypassing region locks have discovered difficulties watching Netflix content. VPN provider TorGuard noted that there has been a recent spike in errors when connecting specifically to Netflix, indicating the company might be targeting and blocking specific IP addresses linked to bypassing restrictions.

http://www.techspot.com/news/59283-netflix-region-lock-bypass-crackdown.html

I use HotSpot Shield and some sites similar to Netflix block me.

Now I use Hola (hola.org). It's free and works where HSS does not.

I found this in the German language press too.

Just tried a US IP with Cyberghost VPN.

I came to the point to register for the free month and reached the enter payment site.

I stopped there.

So at least until now it would work.

This will probably become a cat and mice game.

"Netflix tells us that there's been "no change" in the way it handles VPNs, so you shouldn't have to worry about the company getting tough any time soon. With that said, these blocking errors started showing up in the past few weeks, so it's not clear what would have prompted them."

http://www.engadget.com/2015/01/03/netflix-clamps-down-on-vpns/

Just watched Netflix this morning using "Hide my Ass" VPN....

Actually they don't block from just any VPN, but only from those IPs which are known to belong to VPN services.