Netflix said the VPN lockdown it’s been accused of implementing is “categorically false”.
A VPN (virtual private network) allows people to access a service’s U.S. version even though they’re overseas. During the round table meeting at the 2015 International CES, Netflix’s Chief Product Officer Neil Hunt said the company hasn’t altered its policy regarding VPN use.
Hunt said the assertions surrounding the policy on VPNs are completely false. People using VPNs to get access to the service can still access the service as they’ve always done.
Director of Corporate Communications and Technology at Netflix Cliff Edwards said the media picked up on one claim, which is entirely false.
The only thing changed, Hunt said, is some of the Netflix Android app’s technology.
Hunt said there was a failsafe added on the Android app, meaning if the DNS fails, there’s always the Google DNS. He said it’s not meant to steer folks away from VPN usage but make the app healthier when the user’s DNS provider fails.
Hunt said accessing Netflix out of the country it originates from is against its terms of service. He said the company blacklists any known VPNs in agreements with the content contracts. For instance, Foxtel owns House of Cards in Australia so do they sort of like for them to be blocked. Hunt said the policy hasn’t changed.
Hunt said the company is looking at a more worldwide perspective so that original content along with content Netflix licenses from partners have its worldwide rights stay with Netflix.
He said the company is relying more on the original content it owns through the world, meaning situations like House of Cards and Foxtel will be a “historical footnote”.
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