What Is Geoblocking and How Does It Work?

Geoblocking is a mechanism used by online services to restrict access to content based on a user’s geographic location. Commonly employed by streaming platforms like Netflix, Hulu, or BBC iPlayer, geoblocking ensures that specific content is only accessible in designated regions, often due to licensing agreements. This article explores the technical underpinnings of geoblocking, its implementation, and methods used to bypass it, tailored for IT professionals and advanced users seeking a deeper understanding.

Why Services Use Geoblocking

Streaming services often license content from third-party producers rather than owning it outright. These licensing agreements include geographic restrictions to maximize profits for content owners, who sell distribution rights to different broadcasters in various regions. For instance, a movie licensed to a local broadcaster in one country may be restricted from being shown on an international streaming platform in that same region to avoid competition.

Services like Netflix or Amazon Prime, which produce their own content, typically make their original programming available globally without restrictions. However, for licensed content, exclusivity clauses in contracts dictate where and how content can be accessed, driving the need for geoblocking.

How Geoblocking Works: The Technical Details

Geoblocking relies on identifying a user’s location through their IP address, a unique identifier assigned by an Internet Service Provider (ISP). ISPs typically operate within a single country and assign IP addresses in contiguous blocks, enabling services to pinpoint a user’s location with city-level accuracy.

• IP Address Detection: When a user connects to a website or app, the service captures their IP address. By mapping this address to a geographic database, the service determines the user’s location and enforces content restrictions accordingly.
• GeoIP Databases: Services use commercial GeoIP databases to translate IP addresses into geographic locations. These databases are regularly updated to maintain accuracy.
• Content Restriction Enforcement: Based on the detected location, the service either grants access to content or blocks it. For example, BBC iPlayer restricts access to UK-based IP addresses only.

Some platforms enhance geoblocking with additional checks, such as requiring a local postal address or payment method during account creation. For example, Hulu mandates a U.S.-based billing address and payment method, reinforcing IP-based restrictions.

Bypassing Geoblocking with VPNs

Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) are commonly used to bypass geoblocking by masking a user’s real IP address. A VPN routes traffic through a server in a different location, making it appear as though the user is accessing the internet from that server’s region. For instance, connecting to a VPN server in the UK allows a user to access BBC iPlayer content restricted to UK viewers.

However, streaming services actively counter VPN usage by maintaining blocklists of known VPN server IP addresses. These lists are often sourced from commercial providers or compiled internally. The result is an ongoing battle between VPN providers and streaming platforms, with VPNs frequently updating their server IPs to evade detection.

For more details on VPN functionality, refer to our Features page.

Key Considerations for VPN Usage

• Server Location: Choose a VPN server in the country where the desired content is available.
• Provider Reliability: Select a VPN provider with a track record of bypassing geoblocks effectively.
• Performance Impact: VPNs may introduce latency, so opt for servers with low ping times for optimal streaming.

To explore VPN setup options, check our Setup guide.

Is Geoblocking Legal?

Geoblocking is entirely legal, as content owners have the right to dictate where their intellectual property is distributed. Streaming services are contractually obligated to enforce these restrictions to comply with licensing agreements. Failure to do so risks losing access to licensed content.

Is Bypassing Geoblocking Allowed?

Bypassing geoblocking may violate a streaming service’s terms of service, depending on the platform’s policies. Additionally, some VPN providers include clauses in their terms prohibiting the use of their services for geoblock evasion. IT professionals should review both the streaming service’s and VPN provider’s terms to ensure compliance.

Account and Payment Restrictions

Beyond IP-based geoblocking, some platforms implement additional barriers, such as requiring a local billing address or payment method. For example, creating a Hulu account requires a U.S.-based credit card or bank account, making it harder for international users to gain access even with a VPN.

Data Portability in the EU

In the European Union, data portability regulations allow users to access subscribed streaming services while traveling within the EU. For example, a Netflix subscriber from France can access their account in Germany without restrictions. This regulation mitigates some geoblocking effects but applies only within the EU and to specific services.

Choosing a VPN for Streaming

When selecting a VPN to access geo-restricted content, IT professionals should consider services with robust features tailored for streaming. The following table outlines sample VPN plans that may suit such needs:

All plans include: Dedicated IP, Port Forwarding, Unlimited Bandwidth, No-logs Policy, WireGuard & IKEv2.

For pricing details, visit our Pricing page.

Final Thoughts

Geoblocking is a critical tool for content providers to enforce licensing agreements, relying heavily on IP address detection and supplementary account restrictions. While VPNs offer a technical workaround, their effectiveness depends on the provider’s ability to stay ahead of blocklists. IT professionals should weigh the legal and ethical implications of bypassing geoblocks and choose reliable tools to meet their needs.