How often did you come across the phrase “The content is not available in your location”? With geo-blocking becoming more prevalent across different digital platforms, the chances of you running into unavailable content are constantly increasing.
Are you interested in finding out more about geo-blocking, why streaming services use it, and the ways you can go around these restrictions? Then make sure to keep reading. We made sure to cover all the essentials.
What is geo-blocking, and how is it used?
Geo-blocking is a process of restricting uploaded content to certain locations. That means people located at specific places can’t view the uploaded content if it’s geo-restricted. This process is also known under other names, including geo-filtering and region-locking.
Any type of content can be geo-blocked. From articles, websites, and videos to entire services, geo-blocking occurs on all levels. However, geo-blocking efforts are most prominent in streaming services and videos.
Moreover, geo-blocking can affect different locations. Some content is restricted to certain countries, states, or cities. Geographical filters can also be applied to smaller locations, including buildings and offices.
You were likely a victim of geo-blocking even if you weren’t aware of it. While some services allow you to browse but don’t allow you to view the content, thus making their geo-restricting efforts visible to users, others hide the restricted content completely. This way, users can’t get an idea of whether something is available in other locations they can’t see.
Why do streaming services use it?
There are several reasons why streaming services block their content for a specific region, although the most common is licensing or copyright. Namely, each service must own the distribution rights for a particular market to distribute a certain piece of content there.
If a streaming service owns distribution rights of some content for a specific location, that doesn’t mean it can stream the content worldwide. Instead, each region requires a unique distribution right. It’s very likely a different streaming service already purchased distribution rights for the content in question, which legally binds the streaming services to geographically limit their content.
Another reason for geo-blocking is the unique market demand. Each region has different prices, languages used, and preferences for digital content. Streaming services do everything they can to personalize these experiences and tailor their offer to a particular area, which is why they often geo-restrict some content they don’t find relevant for a specific location.
How to go around these restrictions
Whichever reason a streaming service uses geo-blocking, many internet users find geo-restriction frustrating. More often than not, it only prevents them from enjoying some of their favorite content online. Luckily, there are several ways curious internet users can implement geo-blocking restrictions.
Chrome proxy extension
Chrome proxy extension is a simple tool everyone using Chrome can use to bypass geo-blocking while streaming content. It allows you to quickly and easily switch between proxies and IP addresses that mask your real location. That way, you can hide your actual IP and get access to content that’s otherwise unavailable in your region. If you are interested in trying the solution for free, click here for more info.
Proxy servers
Proxy servers have a similar purpose. A proxy server is an excellent solution if you’re not using Chrome. It translates the traffic between protocols or networks, thus acting as an intermediary between client requests and servers, regardless of the browser you’re using.
VPN tools
Another solution is to use a virtual private network tool, also known as a VPN. This tool reroutes your internet traffic and equips you with a different IP address located in a different country. That allows VPN users to access any content available in a region they’re not located in.
Many people don’t understand how easy it is to bypass geo-blocks
Although almost all internet users are aware geo-blocking exists, a minimal number of internet users are trying to bypass restrictions based on geographical location.
It’s indisputable that geo-blocking limits what we can access online, but circumventing the geo-blocking measures might be simpler than you think. By installing a simple browser extension or any other easy-to-use tool, you can forget about any geo-restriction attempts introduced by a streaming service company.
Extensions, proxies, and VPNs will give you access to any content available online, no matter where you’re currently located.
Conclusion
Many internet users are tired of not being able to view their favorite content online just because it’s unavailable in their location. A proxy extension, proxy server, or VPN tool can change this instantly by providing you access to content you were never able to view or browse.
Simple and easy to use, these solutions can become a perfect addition to your online library. Thanks to them, you don’t have to be a skilled computer user to bypass annoying restrictions in a matter of seconds.
