Is Bypassing Geo-blocking Illegal? How to Bypass Geo-Restrictions Using a VPN Service

Introduction

Many of us use VPNs in 2024 for a variety of reasons. However, one of the most common uses is to bypass the blocks and restrictions that are imposed by individual sites and companies online. These restrictions are usually described as geo-blocking and using a VPN is probably the only method to avoid them. Is it right? Is it legal? Is the FBI going to sweep into your house while you’re streaming CBeebies using a VPN like NordVPN to your British toddlers who miss the Tellytubbies in Chicago?

What is Geo-Blocking?

Geo-blocking is a common technique employed by internet service providers and websites to limit the access to their content based on the user’s geographical location. This limitation is done by determining the geographical location of the user through their IP address. Geo-blocking can be used to comply with copyright laws, licensing agreements, prevent fraudulent activities, block malicious traffic, and carry out location-based authentications.

Why Geo-Blocking exists?

Geo-Blocking primarily exists because of licensing agreements and internet censorship. Streaming platforms like Netflix, Hulu, and Pandora license the content they stream online. These licensing agreements specify the geographical locations where the shows and music can be streamed. When you log into these streaming services, your location is shared, and depending on the agreement details, the video or audio library could be partially or completely blocked.

In addition to this, geo-blocking allows media producers to monetize their content effectively. They can charge different rates depending upon the size of the audience in that particular region. However, streaming services invest in licenses where they anticipate the content will be popular, and so, the licensing agreements become a balancing act between supply (the type of content) and demand (the desirability of that content in each country).

Understanding VPN and Geo-blocking

How does a VPN work?

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) is a sophisticated tool designed to maintain your online privacy and security by masking your identity and online activities. It works by redirecting your internet connection through a server located in a different country. This process hides your actual IP address and assigns you a new IP address associated with the server’s geographical location.

When you connect to a VPN server, your internet traffic is secured within an encrypted tunnel, and it exits through the VPN server to your desired website or app. As a result, the server’s IP address is interpreted by websites as the source of your traffic, effectively masking your real location and making it appear as if you’re browsing from a different location.

Besides, a VPN also provides an additional layer of security by encrypting your data, thereby protecting you from potential external threats like hackers, government surveillance, among others.

How VPN helps in bypassing region blocking like Geo-blocking

VPN essentially helps bypass geo-blocking by providing you with a different IP address based on your selected server location. This tricks the website or app into believing that you’re accessing it from the country where the VPN server is located.

For instance, if you’re in Italy and wish to access content only available in the United States, you can connect to a US VPN server. This reroutes your internet connection through the server in the US, making it appear as if you’re connecting from the US instead of Italy, thereby allowing you to access the restricted content.

This way, VPN provides an efficient method to bypass geo-blocked content on various platforms – be it streaming services like Netflix or Hulu, music streaming apps like Spotify, or even certain social media platforms that have regional restrictions. VPN services like ExpressVPN, SurfShark, and NordVPN are effective tools to bypass geo-blocking, as they conceal your original IP address and mimic it’s originating from another country or region.

Legality of Bypassing Geo-Blocking

Is it legal to bypass GeoBlocking?

The legality of bypassing geo-blocking is a complex issue, largely because it often intersects with other legal domains such as copyright and contract law. Generally speaking, the use of VPNs or other tools to mask your IP address and location is not directly illegal in many countries. However, the act of accessing content for which you do not have the rights in your region could technically be considered unauthorized access or copyright infringement.

If a company’s terms of service prohibit the bypassing of geo-restrictions, using a VPN to bypass those restrictions could be technically seen as a breach of contract. Yet, it’s crucial to note that these companies rarely, if ever, go after individuals who are merely bypassing geo-restrictions without participating in piracy or other illegal activities.

Moreover, in countries with strict internet censorship, the use of VPNs can be outlawed or strictly regulated, and hence bypassing geo-blocking can have legal consequences.

While the definitive legality remains murky, it’s also important to understand the ethical implications. Regions are often geo-blocked due to licensing agreements and breaking these could potentially harm the creators and distributors involved.

Always consider the potential legal and ethical implications before bypassing any geo-blocking walls.

Using a VPN to access restricted sites e.g Gaming, E-commerce and Entertainment

A VPN is an effective tool for bypassing geo-restricted content across various platforms such as gaming, e-commerce, and entertainment.

Gaming: Video games often get released in different regions at different times due to licensing constraints and language localization. Using a VPN, you can connect to a server in a country where the game has been released and play it as if you were physically there. A VPN also protects against DDoS attacks which are common in the gaming world.

E-commerce: Online stores often offer different prices or exclusive products based on the location of a user. With a VPN, you can browse these e-commerce sites as if you were in different countries, allowing you to snag the best deals or access exclusive products.

Entertainment: Streaming services like Netflix, Amazon Prime, Hulu, etc., block certain content in specific countries due to distribution rights. By using a VPN, you can connect to a server in a different country and gain access to an entirely different library of content.

Despite the benefits, it’s important to read the terms and conditions of these platforms as some expressly prohibit the use of VPNs. Violating these rules could potentially lead to a temporary or permanent ban from the platform.

Different Ways To Bypass Geo-Restrictions

Using VPN for Geo-Blocking

As explained earlier, a VPN is one of the most effective solutions to bypass or circumvent geo-blocking. It does so by allowing users to virtually change their geographical location online.

Let’s take a dive into how this process occurs:

When you install and connect to a VPN, your device communicates with the VPN server, which then communicates with the blocked website or service on behalf of your device. This process allows your device’s IP address to be masked by the VPN server’s IP address, making it appear as though you’re viewing from the VPN server’s location.

For example, if you’re in Germany but want to access a U.S-based streaming service, you would connect to a U.S-based VPN server. During this process, your German IP address is replaced with the U.S-based VPN server’s IP address. Consequently, when the streaming service checks your IP address, it believes you’re viewing from the U.S., thus giving you access to its content.

It’s important to note that VPN does not only help bypass geo-blocking but also adds another security layer, keeping your data private and safe from potential threats online. However, choose your VPN service wisely, taking privacy policies, server locations, speed, and accessibility of customer service into account.

Bypassing Geo-Blocking via Smart DNS

Smart DNS is another effective method to bypass geo-blocking and access restricted content. Unlike a VPN, which routes your entire internet traffic through a specific server, Smart DNS only reroutes the traffic related to geo-blocked services.

As many users have suggested on social media sites –

Smart DNS is a great alternative to using a VPN if you just want something to use on your Smart TV and don’t want the encryption and security features.

This technology works by intercepting the location data sent with your DNS (Domain Name Service) requests and replacing it with information related to a geographically appropriate server. This masks your IP address by rerouting your DNS requests and making it look like you are in a different location.

The main benefit of using a Smart DNS is that it doesn’t affect your internet speed – since it doesn’t encrypt all of your internet traffic like a VPN does, it’s able to maintain faster connections. However, it’s worth noting that it doesn’t provide the same level of security and privacy as a VPN.

Moreover, because Smart DNS can operate with multiple IP addresses, it makes it harder for services to detect and block them. For users primarily looking to bypass geo-restrictions without the added security and encryption provided by VPNs, Smart DNS can be a convenient option.

Setting up a Smart DNS can be a bit intricate, as you’ll likely need to manually adjust your settings and configure the DNS yourself. But the process varies based on the service you choose. Services like Unlocator, OverPlay, and SmartDNS Proxy are popular choices for setting up Smart DNS.

The Role of Proxy servers

Proxy servers play a crucial role in bypassing geo-blocking by serving as an intermediary between you and the internet. They work by routing your web page requests through their own servers, effectively masking your IP address in the process.  If a proxy server is located in another country, it can grant you a different IP address associated with its location. This means that if you’re in Italy and you connect to a UK-based proxy server, websites will perceive you as browsing from the UK.

Another advantage is that proxy servers provide you with some degree of anonymous browsing. They can hide your IP address, offering anonymity from the websites you visit and third parties seeking to monitor your browsing activity. However, unlike VPNs, they do not encrypt your data, leaving your activity exposed to potential security issues.

Web-based proxy servers are easily accessible from your browser, and several services like Hide My Ass, Megaproxy, and Proxify offer free access to their proxy servers, making them a popular choice for bypassing geo-blocking.  While proxy servers can allow you to browse as though you’re connecting from different countries, they come with their risks. Free proxy servers may pose significant privacy risks, as they could potentially monitor and sell your browsing data, or insert unwanted ads into the web pages you visit.

When using proxy servers, always ensure that you’re using a reputable service and aware of the risks involved. Assessing the proxies’ level of security, their privacy policy, and whether they support the websites you usually visit can help you make an informed decision.

Top 5 VPNs for Bypassing Geo-Blocking

Surfshark – best performing VPN for geo-blocking

Surfshark emerges as one of the best-performing VPNs for geo-blocking according to widespread user experience and multiple tests. Boasting over 3200 servers in more than 65 countries, SurfShark offers a wide range of server locations, making it an ideal candidate for accessing geo-blocked content worldwide.

Surfshark impressively unblocks a variety of streaming platforms, such as Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, and others, regardless of your location. It offers high-speed performance, meaning you can stream videos in high definition without buffering.  Although it does have a few exceptions, it#s reportedly not very reliable with my favorite geo-blocked site – BBC iPlayer.

Apart from its geo-unblocking capability, Surfshark is also known for its robust security measures. It uses advanced encryption standards, offers a kill switch feature, and follows a strict no-logs policy to keep your online activity private.

Another advantage of Surfshark is its unlimited device support — once you subscribe, you’re free to connect as many devices as you want. This flexibility sets it apart from many other VPN providers. Thus, whether it’s for gaming, streaming, or safe browsing, Surfshark is an affordable and efficient option in the VPN market.

However, despite all the promising features, it’s advisable to check out the terms of service and the local laws in your country regarding the usage of VPNs before using them to bypass geo-blocking.

NordVPN – full-on security suite to bypass restrictions

NordVPN offers a full-fledged security suite to bypass geo-blocking restrictions with over 5800 servers in 60+ countries. This gives you a plethora of foreign IP addresses and the option of a dedicated IP address, so you don’t have to worry about getting your IP address flagged.

Latest NordVPN Discount Page

NordVPN is renowned for its outstanding security measures, including AES-256 encryption – considered to be unbreakable. This level of encryption ensures your traffic is safe from external threats. Furthermore, NordVPN uses RAM-only servers, meaning once powered down, the servers forget all data, perfectly complementing the brand’s audited no-log policy.

The service is equipped with the NordLynx tunneling protocol – a variant of the highly reputable WireGuard protocol, known for combining lightning-fast speed and heightened security. As a result, NordVPN delivers higher speeds and lower latency, retaining about 60% of the original speed – a crucial feature when streaming high-quality content.

Speaking of streaming, NordVPN efficiently unblocks a myriad of streaming platforms, including US Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, HBO Max, etc. Moreover, it carries essential features to enhance your browsing experience – an ad-blocker, a Dark Web Monitor that alerts you if your personal data is at risk, and safeguards against data leaks with a reliable kill switch.

NordVPN is available at an affordable price, with a package that allows up to six simultaneous connections. With a 30-day money-back guarantee, it’s no surprise that NordVPN is considered one of the top VPN choices for bypassing geo-restrictions. However, please make sure to verify the VPN’s legality with your local laws and ensure you’re abiding by the terms of the digital services you’re accessing.

Issues with VPN and Geo-Blocking

Scenarios where VPN fails to unblock geo-restricted content

There are occasions when even a reliable VPN might struggle to access geo-restricted content. Here are some common scenarios:

1. Advanced VPN Detection: Some platforms have more sophisticated geo-restriction and VPN-detection measures than others. Large international networks like Netflix are known for their ability to identify and block VPN connections. This is why some users may encounter error messages like “You seem to be using an unblocker or proxy” even when connected via a VPN.
2. Outdated VPN Server IP: Sometimes, the VPN server IP has been previously used (and flagged) by other users, causing the platform to automatically block that IP. In these cases, switching to a different server could solve the issue.
3. Inadequate VPN Services: Not all VPN services are created equal. Some do not possess the resources or technology necessary to consistently bypass geo-blocking protocols put forth by some platforms.
4. The choice of Server: If you’re using a server in a country that has the same restrictions as your original location, you could still encounter geo-restriction issues. Selecting a server in a different country with no such restrictions would be the right course of action.
5. Browser leaks: Sometimes, even when connected to a VPN, your browser could still leak your original IP due to particular browser settings, plugins or bugs. This is commonly referred to as a DNS leak or a WebRTC leak.

Remember that while these issues might be frustrating, they are often easily solved by switching servers, updating the VPN app, or contacting the service provider’s support team.

Mitigating potential VPN issues

Some of the potential issues of using a VPN for geo-blocking can be mitigated by adopting a few measures:

1. Stay Updated: Ensure that your VPN software is constantly updated. By doing this, you’ll have access to new servers and get improved performance, which can help in avoiding blocks.
2. Switch Servers: If you can’t access a specific content, switch to another server. You could also opt for a dedicated IP address, which is less likely to get abused and subsequently blocked.
3. Check for Leaks: Make it a habit to check for DNS leaks. You can confirm if your VPN is working correctly through websites like dnsleaktest.com.
4. Use Stealth Mode: Enable Stealth VPN to bypass VPN blocks by disguising VPN traffic as regular internet traffic. This mode comes in handy when dealing with platforms with robust VPN detection mechanisms.
5. Use VPNs that regularly refresh their server IP: Choose a VPN provider that constantly changes its server IPs. This prevents the servers from getting blocked due to overuse.
6. Disable Location Services: Some browsers have a location sharing feature, which could potentially override the IP provided by the VPN and disclose your actual location. To avoid this, disable location services on your browser.

By taking these precautions, you can minimize issues and enjoy the content you desire without worrying about blocks or restrictions.

FAQs

Is Using a VPN Legal?

Yes, absolutely in the vast majority of the ‘free world’ using a VPN is completely legal and actually advisable. The only places which VPNs aren’t illegal are where the state seeks to control access to the internet. Even in China using a VPN is not officially illegal although it is discouraged and blocked.

Is Bypassing geo-blocking illegal ?

Geo-blocking refers to the practice of restricting access to content based upon the user’s geographical location. In a way, this is a form of digital discrimination. The legality of bypassing geo-blocking is a complex issue and can depend on a number of factors including local laws and the terms of service of the website or service you are using. In some cases, it can be against the terms of service but not necessarily illegal. However, in some countries, such as the United Arab Emirates, the use of VPNs to bypass geo-blocking is illegal. As such, it is recommended to check local laws and terms of service before attempting to bypass geo-blocking.

Can free VPN get around geographical restrictions?

Yes, a free VPN can technically bypass geographical restrictions, but they often come with drawbacks. Free VPNs usually have a smaller number of servers, limiting the range of countries you can appear to be connecting from. This limits your options in terms of the geo-blocked content you can access.

Furthermore, many free VPNs are not capable of bypassing the sophisticated geo-blocking measures of popular streaming platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Hulu. So, if your main goal is accessing these types of services, you may often find free VPNs to be insufficient.

It’s also important to remember that free VPNs are often supported by ads and can have slower connection speeds. In some cases, the data limits imposed by free VPN services could hinder your streaming experience.

From a privacy standpoint, some free VPNs have been criticized for their logging policies. They might collect and sell your browsing data to generate income.

In contrast, paid VPNs such as Surfshark and NordVPN come with high-speed connections, no data restrictions, robust security features, and the ability to bypass most streaming services’ geo-blocking. Therefore, they are often a more reliable choice for bypassing geographical restrictions.

However, if you’re not concerned about these potential drawbacks, free VPN services like Atlas VPN do offer a solution for getting around some geo-blocks. Always be sure to look into the details of any VPN service, free or paid, before deciding to use it.

Are there any risks of using a VPN for bypassing Geo-restrictions?

While using a VPN to bypass geo-restrictions can be an effective way to access content unavailable in your region, it doesn’t come without risks. Here are a few:

1. Breach of terms of service: Many digital services specify in their terms of service that users should not access content via VPNs or other unblocking tools. While these companies rarely penalize individual users, it’s still possible to have your account suspended or removed if you’re caught.
2. Legal repercussions: While the use of VPN is legal in most places, it is restricted or heavily regulated in countries like China, Russia, Iran, Turkey, and the UAE. Always check your local laws before using VPNs to avoid any legal issues.
3. Privacy and security risks: Not all VPN services offer the same level of security. Some free or less reputable VPNs might log your browsing history and sell it to third parties, display unwanted ads, or even contain malware.
4. Potential issues with quality: VPNs can sometimes slow down your internet connection due to the process of traffic encryption and because your data has to travel longer distances to reach the servers. In turn, this might affect the streaming quality when you’re watching videos.

The right choice of VPN largely mitigates these risks. Choose a VPN provider well known for its strict no-logs policy, robust encryption, good performance, and user-friendly policies. Make sure to read user reviews and the VPN provider’s terms of service to fully understand what to expect.

With careful use and a quality service, you can enjoy the benefits of VPNs while curbing the risks associated with their use.