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Netflix

Brussels bans Netflix, Sky & Spotify from ‘geo-blocking’ international travellers

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By John Glenday, Reporter

December 10, 2015 | 2 min read

Lawmakers in Brussels have moved to end the blocking of subscriptions of paid customers of the likes of Netflix, Sky and Spotify when they travel abroad as part of measures to harmonise streaming services across the continent.

Geo-Blocking, Netflix

At present consumers attempting to view or listen to content beyond national borders are frustrated by regional locks imposed by streaming services, shutting them off from content whilst on holiday or business – a practice known as ‘geo-blocking’.

This has forced many to circumvent the rules by making use of proxy server to dupe providers into granting them access.

Content providers such as the Premier League and Hollywood studios had fought against creation of a single digital market, worried that it would hurt their income by limiting their ability to negotiate national deals. There are also concerns that consumers will simply register for packages in cheaper EU nations such as Slovakia or Greece to access content at home.

The BBC is currently investigating a similar move although it requires legislative change in Britain before it is free to do so. It is thought that around 65m international viewers watch BBC iPlayer content illicitly.

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