Today, streaming platforms such as Netflix have fundamentally changed the way we consume TV and movie content. Indeed, Netflix has fueled worldwide demand for unfettered access to content on the go. Despite its undeniable global reach, this has come with a new set of complications, particularly in its approach to grappling with the intricate matter of VPNs.
In this piece, we will examine the inexorable rise of VPNs, explore the challenges they present for Netflix, and how these obstacles can be overcome.
Content Licensing and Geo-Restrictions
Netflix’s journey from a DVD rental service to a global streaming behemoth is a testament to its adaptability and vision to make that a reality. Now, Netflix is available in over 190 countries. However, one of the existential problems is content licensing.
Many content owners will now have separate agreements for different regions, creating distinct Netflix libraries. To stay on the right side of the track, Netflix has enforced geo-restrictions, ensuring users can only watch content in their respective regions.
Of course, highly obfuscated VPNs have been appealing to users who want to bypass restrictions. Essentially, Netflix has to be persistent if it wants to tackle this endemic and invest in new technologies to thwart VPN traffic.
Regulatory demands
While there has been some legal ambiguity regarding the use of VPNs, what is perhaps more clear-cut is that regulatory demands have manifested over time, and Netflix has to comply with them.
Generally, this will include adhering to content classification, taxation, and censorship regulations. In China, for example, the use of unauthorized VPNs is illegal as the government will control internet access, and it is a similar story in Russia, whereby the government has mandated that VPNs should connect to a state system for internet censorship.
More broadly speaking, balancing maintaining a brilliant user experience for Netflix users while adhering to regulatory demands remains a complex endeavor. One way to overcome this particular obstacle would be to reevaluate the allocations of resources so this job doesn’t become too intensive in the long term.
VPN usage
In general, VPNs have become powerful tools. By connecting to them, you can browse or stream with total anonymity.
In many respects, VPNs are more popular than ever today, and a few stats underline the robust nature of the market. The global VPN market is now thought to be worth $44.6 billion, there are believed to be over 1.5 billion VPN users worldwide, and by 2027, the VPN market is projected to grow to be valued at over $87 billion.
For Netflix, it has become a cat-and-mouse game. Once they catch an IP address, VPNs swiftly move in to change things, making it harder for users to be traced, which can become rather frustrating. The key here is for Netflix to put stricter measures in place to protect its players and stop them from being lured by or falling prey to rogue VPN operators.
Greater choice of VPNs
With increased VPN usage, it is worth noting that the range of VPNs available for entertainment and other purposes has become increasingly prevalent. With VPNs, there are several factors to take into consideration, including price and latency. Each one will invariably fulfill a different duty.
Indeed, users are spoilt for choice, and they will do anything to circumvent geo-blocks, but when it comes to streaming, NordVPN is deemed the best VPN for Netflix. Apart from an extremely affordable package, starting at just $2.99 a month, NordVPN has no bandwidth caps, and it is replete with several other features, such as a live chat facility. Arguably, it has been no surprise that NordVPN is one of the most trusted names in the VPN game.
The road ahead
In summary, the world of VPNs can be a complex web of legal and regulatory obstacles, but while VPNs and Netflix have contrasting ambitions, the two need to come together to settle their differences.
Netflix naturally has a right to geo-block its content, but VPNs have to learn to accept this and frame negotiations in a way that doesn’t put either one out. It is a thorny issue, but many will hope it is resolved sooner rather than later.