When you’re on the Internet, hiding your IP address or geo-location is usually the best and simplest approach to get around geo-restrictions. While this may appear to be a daunting task, but in reality, it is not.
The most basic example is major streaming services like Netflix, Disney Plus, and others are only available to watch in certain locations. But through VPN you can bypass their geo-restrictions and gain access to it. One of the greatest methods to get around geo-restrictions is to use a VPN for Disney Plus and Netflix and other geo-restricted platforms.
4 Ideas for Accessing Geo-restricted Content
Almost every hurdle that could potentially be placed in the path of consumers has been solved by the field of technology, and accessing geo-restricted content throughout the globe is no exception. Take a look at these four ideas for bypassing geo-restricted content in an effective way.
1. VPN Services
By masking your IP address with the address of the VPN server you connect to, a VPN service can help you avoid geo-blocks. So, if you connect to a VPN server in the United States, you’ll be able to access geo-restricted websites that are only available in that country. For example, Disney Plus isn’t available in USA and you live there. The only way for you to watch Disney Plus in USA is to subscribe to best VPN for Disney Plus.
VPNs are simple to use and are unlikely to be blocked by ISPs (like Smart DNS services can). A VPN can also prevent your ISP from restricting your bandwidth because it employs encryption. However, you should be aware that the encryption used by a VPN can slow down your connection. That isn’t to imply that your internet speeds will drop to zero, but depending on how strong the encryption cypher and VPN protocol are, you may see some slowdowns.
2. Smart DNS
Smart DNS is a service that allows you to mask your real DNS address, which is provided to you by your Internet service provider. While it isn’t the same as concealing your IP address, your DNS address does contain information that reveals your true location. As a result, changing it with a new address containing data pointing to a location in a nation where the content is available is an effective approach to get around geo-blocks.
A Smart DNS would also intercept your connection requests to any website you want to visit, replacing any data found in them that reveals your geographic location with fresh information related to an alternative, “whitelisted” location.
Another advantage of Smart DNS services is that they are not encrypted, allowing you to access geo-restricted content while maintaining your original ISP speeds. In addition, most Smart DNS providers provide fast access to a large list of pre-unblocked websites.
3. Proxy Servers:
A proxy server serves as a go-between for the website you’re visiting and your device. Proxy servers each have their own IP address, which they use to lead you to geo-restricted content. When it comes to getting around website blocks, proxies can be useful, but they aren’t as safe or effective as a VPN.A VPN encrypts all of the data that passes through your device. A proxy, on the other hand, only functions inside the confines of a single website or application.
There is a plethora of free proxy services available online, but free rarely equals good, especially when it comes to privacy, security, and advanced encryption techniques. However, because of their limited server or IP addresses, they are occasionally detected by major content streaming services.
4. TOR Browser (The Onion Browser)
The Tor browser is a tool that allows you to Another technique to get around geo-restrictions is to use Tor. It functions in the same way as any other browser, such as Chrome or Safari. You can access all standard websites as well as specially onion sites that are only accessible through the Tor network.
A tor browser is similar to any other browser you might use, except it’s designed specifically for accessing sites that are geo-restricted in your area. Although it has the potential to unblock onion sites, it is not always secure. Your data may be exposed to third parties if you use this browser.
Tor, on the other hand, does not provide the same level of protection as a VPN. Your ISP will be able to detect that you’re using Tor, and due to its negative reputation, they may be suspicious of your online activities. Tor, unlike a VPN, is also exceedingly slow due to its design.
Reasons why Geo-restrictions Techniques are Used
Well, as you saw above VPN isn’t the only technique to get around geo-restricted content, either. Let’s continue this conversation and take a look at why all of the above geo-restrictions exist in the first place.
1. Agreements on Copyright
Major content providers like Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, and Disney Plus do not own all of the content they have on offer; they only have the right to transmit it. As a result, the original copyright holder is the one who determines whether or not the work can be broadcast globally. If that isn’t possible, content platforms must follow to the rules, which geo-restriction technology facilitates.
2. Licensing Rights
If copyright holders and content providers want to broadcast their content in a given country, they must obtain licensing rights. It’s easy to see how purchasing licensing rights all over the world would be prohibitively expensive (especially when other country-specific levies are factored in), so it’s understandable.
3. Discrimination in pricing
The act of presenting different pricing based on the country from which an internet user connects – can be enforced through geo-restrictions. This is something that online shops and airlines undertake to better divide the world into numerous market niches and generate more money.
4. Legal Issues
Governments frequently use geo-restriction tactics for legal reasons. Because it is all supported by taxpayer money, the UK government, for example, implements geo-blocks to ensure that their TV content is only available in the UK (with limited exceptions).
5. Blackouts
Geo-blocks are frequently employed in blackouts in the United States, a practice that is “popular” among broadcasting firms, national networks, sports leagues, and associations. Geo-restrictions are used to ensure that a sporting event is not aired in a location where:
- The event in question is currently in progress.
- National networks are the sole owners of distribution rights.
- Locally, the event is already being broadcast.
Conclusion
Generally, there are four ways for accessing geo-restricted content throughout the globe, but subscribing to a credible VPN is the safest way. However, subscribing to a VPN might be a little pricey for you but it’s a permanent and trust worthy solution for bypassing your favorite geo-restricted content throughout the globe without compromising on your security and safety.
