Why Do Streaming Sites Block VPNs?

If you are a streamer and love to stream content online, then you might already be aware that having a good VPN is the key to a good streaming experience. The best VPN always ensures that your online activities are private and secure as well as unblocks all the good OTT streaming services. But sometimes, what happens is that when you are trying to stream your favorite streaming service, your VPN does not work with it.

Well, the chances are the VPN or the IP server you are using to unblock the platform has been blocked by the streaming service. Now it raises the question of why these streaming platforms block VPNs. And can you do anything about it? So come on, let’s find out.

1. Licensing Agreements

The licensing and distribution rights for the services provided by streaming platforms are the fundamental basis for their attempt to ban VPNs.

While many websites provide their original content, many titles that are distributed on other platforms do not belong to those platforms. Some events, movies, and TV series need an Amazon, Netflix, or Hulu license. These agreements can be pricey as many streaming services battle for users by delivering top-quality content.

Licensing arrangements differ depending on location. This is because some movies and TV series are more rewarding than others. A German TV show, for example, will attract more audiences in Germany compared to the US. So, Germany is more inclined than other countries to impose a higher license fee for German shows.

Because different countries have different streaming platforms, a TV show that is licensed on a certain platform in Australia may be available on a different platform in Korea.

So, there is country-based access to streaming content, and streaming services do everything they can to make VPNs illegal. A pricey license deal is breached if Netflix allows a Canadian consumer to use Netflix VPN to watch any content that Netflix is only permitted to distribute in the US. If they do not attempt to secure it, they risk getting their license canceled and it’s content poached by a competitor.

2. Copyright Issues

Unknowingly, streaming services such as Netflix, HBO, Hulu, and many others are responsible for substantial VPN sales globally. Geographical licensing limits are the driving cause of this demand for VPNs.

For example, you might have noticed that the Netflix library in your country lacks certain titles that are available in some other countries. This is because the platform did not have a license to distribute these titles in your country.

Thus, streaming platforms must ensure that their content is only available in the location where they have a license. Regrettably, this means banning VPNs and proxies.

A VPN, however, will not cause restrictions on streaming websites. Yes, even though utilizing a VPN violates the company’s service conditions, you’ll experience a simple proxy error. However, it will disappear once you disconnect

3. Restrictions Imposed by the Government

If you visit YouTube regularly, you’ve probably seen the warning that says you can’t watch a particular content in your country. Content licensing is a popular framework for this. Nevertheless, it might also be the effect of government bans on sexual content, improper marketing, or violent content.

While YouTube is not seeking to thwart VPNs at the moment, forthcoming government regulations may push it into doing so. But, for the time being, almost any VPN will let you access YouTube’s blocked content.

4. Prevention of Fraud

Because of the danger of financial fraud, several bank transaction portals do not allow the usage of virtual private networks (VPNs). For example, if you are using a VPN service for an online bank account like Paypal, you will be unable to make any PayPal payments. Worse still, attempting to do so could result in you being blocked from your account.

5. Public Service That is Location Specific

Another situation in which streaming platforms may prohibit VPNs is when that particular service is publicly delivered to a given nation. BBC iPlayer is the best example. Since the BBC is a public service, the UK government monitors it. UK residents must pay a licensing fee to enjoy the BBC’s ad-free content.

Users from other countries who don’t have a membership are denied access to BBC players. Furthermore, because not all the content on iPlayer is produced by the BBC, the same licensing conditions apply there.

6. Workplace or School Policy

To boost productivity, many schools, colleges, or employers prohibit access to particular websites like Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, or YouTube. Your company or school can also block VPN connections, even though utilizing a VPN is one technique to circumvent these limitations.

Another reason for prohibiting VPNs at school or work is Tracking Data Traffic because these providers restrict network managers and ISPs from accessing your browser history. To prevent users from employing a VPN to browse restricted websites, your network administrator or ISP may utilize firewalls or any other network filtering measures.

How to Bypass VPN Blocking

Employing unrestricted VPN service is one way to get around VPN blocking. NordVPN and ExpressVPN are two examples. A SmartDNS Router is yet another option. The router’s MediaStreamer modifies your machine’s DNS and sends the data traffic via a proxy. This will give you access to online content without having to change your IP address.

Conclusion

Now you know the reasons why if ever, you got blocked from a streaming site while streaming and what was the reason behind it. Still, there are loopholes that you can opt for to keep accessing any platform.

Use a premium VPN that provides a large range of servers and works 100% when it comes to bypassing the geo-restrictions while providing you with online security. ExpressVPN is our top-priority recommended VPN that has all the good features you need to unblock your favorite streaming service.