Netflix denies it has plans to block VPN users

Last week accusations were made against Netflix, claiming that the site may be testing ways to block users who are using VPNs to access content from international Netflix catalogues. Netflix has now gone on record to denie these claims.

Speaking at CES Netflix Chief Product Officer Neil Hunt went on record to ease concerns, saying that any claims stating that Netflix had changed its policy on VPN users are false. He also added that anyone using a VPN to access a specific catalogue will find that there is no change to the way everything works.

The fears arose following leaked communications from Sony Pictures that indicated it was trying to force Netflix to take more proactive measure against so-called ‘VPN pirates’. Not long afterwards some people using the TorGuard service found that error messages were appearing when they tried to access Netflix.

A spokesperson did state that “Virtually crossing borders to use Netflix is a violation of our terms of use because of content licensing restrictions, and we employ standard measures to prevent this kind of use.” So it’s clearly something Netflix doesn’t approve of, just something its not going to actively campaign against. Let’s be honest, people would find a way to get round it.

So those of you who use VPNs don’t have anything to worry about for the time being. You can carry on enjoying the best Netflix has to offer in other countries.