The Internet is supposed to link the entire world by a global network, but many websites are still confined to a specific region. This process of global restriction is referred to as Geo-blocking. Here you can find the block content with these valuable tips.
Geo-blocking is an internet technology that restricts or blocks access to a particular website or digital media on the internet. It blocks access if the users’ IP address is outside of the authorized geographical region.
Due to copyright restrictions driven by multi-nation licensing laws and other legal/copyright considerations, many primary streaming services such as Hulu, Netflix, Amazon, and HBO are forced to initiate geo-restrictions.
It is understandable that not every streaming service provider can offer its service in every country. To do that, they would have to purchase the licensing rights in each country. So, geo-blocking is the only tool for ensuring that licensing regulations are implemented.
For example, if you are trying to access the Netflix US library in Canada, you will not be able to do so as Netflix US library content is licensed only for the US region. Although there is an easy way to overcome this problem. To be a little more specific, you can use a VPN for streaming US Netflix shows in Canada without any restrictions. There are other ways too for bypassing geo-blocking issues which we will discuss in detail later on. Keep reading, and you will find out the best ways to get immediate access to geo-block content.
Virtual Private Network
A Virtual Private Network or VPN is by far the most effective way to access any geo-block content. It will mask your actual IP address and hide it with one of its IP addresses. This way, you can fool the streaming service or website into thinking that you are coming from the authorized region.
According to the learning hub, about 50% of VPN users use this technology to bypass geo-blocked content. This stat alone should be enough to give you an idea about how popular this technology is to overcome geo-restriction.
Almost all top-tier VPN providers have a vast network of servers in all the continents’ significant countries. This makes it very simple to access any geo-restricted website anytime. Just connect to the correct country to get the authorized IP address, and you should be able to access the previously blocked content for you.
For example, popular streaming services like Hulu are only accessible by a US IP address. So for a user in Australia, this content will be initially blocked. If the user connects to a US-based server in a VPN, he will access Hulu while sitting in this home in Australia.
Tor Browser
The second method we have for you to unblock geo-restricted content is by using a Tor. Tor, or The Onion Routers, masks your actual IP address and then routes your online traffic through many layers of encryption so that you can get access to any geo-restricted website or streaming service.
While it may offer you solid online privacy, as it is an open-source project maintained primarily by volunteers, it can cause your internet to be slow. While privacy and bypassing geo-blocking are the main advantages of Tor, given its role in the dark web’s sinister history, many organizations and institutes can block Tor connections.
Web Proxy
This technique helps the users who wish to access geo-blocked content on a system that won’t let them download a Tor browser or VPN.
This method works well for quick access to content on public computers. Just connect to a proxy server first and then to your desired geo-blocked content. This is how it works – you go to a website called “proxy website,” enter the website address of your chosen destination, and then press the proxy website’s button to access it.
The only issue is that you have to visit the proxy website each time you wish to access your desired content. We understand that it can be annoying and irritating as you will have to use them each time you want to access your desired website and without any security and encryption.
Proxy Extension
Considered as a half-sibling of the web proxy, this method is far more convenient. The proxy extension, commonly known as a browser extension, lets you immediately access desired websites by just clicking on a couple of buttons.
The browser extensions are directly installed on your system browser. Many of them are free, but most of them also require you to purchase their subscription.
These extensions usually offer a couple of countries to select from. Once connected, your actual IP address will be hidden enough to grant you access to geo-restricted content. One thing to always remember is that they do not offer any sort of encryption or security that you will find with a Virtual Private Network.
Nowadays, many VPN providers offer their browser extensions as well. Using a VPN plus browser extension is a deadly combo against geo-restricted content but selecting the perfect VPN for yourself is a challenge on its own. To learn more about VPNs and to make the right decision for yourself, we suggest looking for recommended VPNs online.
We are entering into the era where watching streaming content will be as tricky as deciding where to watch it. Don’t worry, we have taken care of that as well. You will find here the tools to figure out the best streaming platform for you.
As long as you are using any one of the methods mentioned above, you should bypass geo-blocking easily. If one way fails, you can always hop on to another one. If you wish for a solution that works reliably, regularly, and efficiently, we would highly recommend using a Virtual Private Network.