Is Using A Vpn For Netflix Illegal | Can You Get Banned?

Is It Illegal To Use a VPN for Netflix? Can You Get Banned?

One very popular use of a VPN is to gain access to streaming video content that is not usually available in a certain geographic region. With a quality vpn that works with netflix, users can access content through their servers nearly anywhere in the world. If the movie you want is only available to Netflix viewers in a particular country, you can set your VPN to route your traffic through their server in that country and unlock access to that content.

While this is an effective way to get content you would otherwise miss, many users are left wondering if there are any legal issues with this approach. Is it illegal? Can you have your Netflix account banned for using a VPN? Why would Netflix ban VPN users?

Is Watching Netflix Via VPN Illegal?

It is difficult to pin down any specific law that would make watching Netflix via VPN illegal. This is unless you are in a small list of countries such as China and Iran. In most other countries, there is no law against using a VPN, and, if you are a Netflix subscriber, you are certainly not breaking any laws accessing the service.

While the purpose here is not to offer legal advice, there does not appear to be much or any legal risk to the practice. However, that doesn’t mean it is allowed by Netflix.

Does Netflix Ban VPN Users?

A more critical question for many streamers is whether or not they can get in trouble with Netflix. Does Netflix ban VPN users? That question is slightly more complicated.

Here is what Netflix says about the matter in their terms of service, section 4:

“4.3. You may view the Netflix content primarily within the country in which you have established your account and only in geographic locations where we offer our service and have licensed such content. […]”

And a little further down the page:

“4.6. You also agree not to: circumvent, remove, alter, deactivate, degrade or thwart any of the content protections in the Netflix service; use any robot, spider, scraper, or other automated means to access the Netflix service…”

And later in that same paragraph:

“We may terminate or restrict your use of our service if you violate these Terms of Use or are engaged in illegal or fraudulent use of the service.”

So, the short answer is, yes, circumventing geographic restrictions using a VPN is against the Netflix Terms of Service. They can terminate your account for doing so. But do they? Apparently not.

There are no available reports of Netflix terminating accounts or banning users from accessing geographically restricted content using a VPN. While they may have the right to in their terms of service, the company does not seem to make a practice of it. However, that doesn’t mean that they make it easy.

Instead of canceling accounts or banning users, Netflix just makes it somewhat challenging to stream content via a VPN. The worst consequence most users will ever see is that it doesn’t work. This is because Netflix mostly restricts VPN streaming by blocking VPNs. Netflix tries to discover IP addresses tied to VPNs and then blocks them. Fortunately, there are ways to beat the Netflix VPN ban.

Why Does Netflix Block VPNs?

Given that Netflix subscribers pay for the service, you may be wondering why using a VPN to access Netflix is not permitted. It all comes down to copyright and licensing. Some of Netflix’s content, such as Netflix Originals, is owned by the company. The rest is obtained by licensing agreements with content producers and studios. Media owners partner with streaming services, radio networks, and cable companies all over the world.

It’s possible that the content you’re looking for was licensed to Netflix in one country but a different provider in the United States. Or even a settlement for distribution in the United States has yet to be reached. Netflix does not have a license to screen the material in the United States in that situation. As a result, it does not appear as an option for those viewers.

Streamers who use a VPN can get around this geographical restriction and still watch the content. As a result, Netflix and the content producers arrange to help stop viewers from viewing in places where the content is not allowed.

How to Bypass the Netflix VPN Ban?

With all the information available, it is up to you how you want to access Netflix. If you want to access Netflix content that is not available where you live, you will need to ensure that you find a VPN that can get around any attempts Netflix makes to block VPNs.

Here’s How to Bypass Netflix VPN Ban:

1. Sign up for a VPN (NordVPN recommended)
2. Install the app on your device
3. Choose a VPN server in a country you wish to unblock Netflix content
4. Connect to that server
5. Sign in to Netflix
6. Search and stream your content
7. Now you removed the Netflix VPN ban!

Many high-quality VPNs now advertise their ability to bypass VPN restrictions imposed by Netflix and other services. Here are some characteristics to look for in a VPN:

• Connection Speed – Confirm that the VPN provides high-speed connectivity capable of HD streaming.
• Large Server Network – The VPN with the most servers and locations has the best chance of avoiding being blocked.
• Streaming-Specific Servers – The best VPNs now deliver streaming-specific servers that are designed to prevent site bans.
• Test the VPN’s privacy policy before using it. You want a VPN that keeps no logs. There is no way for your private browsing details to fall into the wrong hands without a record of operation.
• Multiple Platforms – Since most people don’t just watch videos on their computers, make sure your VPN is compatible with all of your viewing devices, such as streaming sticks and smart TVs.

VPN To Bypass Netflix VPN Ban

NordVPN

Surfshark

Conclusion

Using a VPN for Netflix is not against the law. Netflix, on the other hand, does not authorize users to use services that circumvent geo-restrictions. The streaming service has the right to suspend your account, but no such instances have been confirmed. Netflix has a vested interest in keeping all of its subscribers.

Even though Netflix prohibits VPN connections, there are ways to get around the restriction. You can use a VPN that has streaming-specific servers and renews its IP addresses regularly.