Ever Googled a TV show listed as available on Netflix only to find it missing in the app? Or, have you ever found yourself unable to access your favorite app or service from back home while traveling abroad? That’s geoblocking at work. Geoblock restrictions can be frustrating. We get it!
However, there are compelling reasons why companies implement these measures. Plus, bypassing geoblocking is simpler than you might think.
We’ll show you how in this article. So, without further ado, let’s get straight into it!
Table of Contents
What Is Geoblocking?
Geoblocking is the act of blocking specific content based on geographical location.
When you attempt to access a website, it uses your IP address to determine your location.
Once websites detect your location, they decide which content to display or ban in your region.
This means that specific videos, articles, services, or even entire websites could be inaccessible simply because of your location.
I know, I know. You might be wondering:
What exactly is the purpose of blocking content for specific regions? Why would a website choose to limit its audience? Wouldn’t it benefit more to display all content in all areas?
These are valid questions. The next section answers “Is geoblocking effective?” and if yes, why is it the case?
Is Geoblocking Effective?
Believe it or not, geoblocking is an effective strategy for many businesses and organizations. The reasons behind implementing geoblocks are multifaceted.
Each reason serves different strategic or regulatory purposes.
Let’s take a closer look at why websites choose to geoblock content.
To Comply With Licensing Agreements
Many online content providers use geoblocking to adhere to licensing agreements.
These agreements often restrict the legal distribution of content in certain regions.
For instance, a movie you can stream in the U.S. might not have clearance for European viewers. This happens due to different copyright laws or agreements with local distributors.
By geoblocking, streaming platforms or providers can avoid legal penalties and create market scarcity.
This could also increase the value of content in regions where it is available.
To Control Region-Based Pricing
Economic factors also play a huge role in geoblocking.
Companies often adjust their pricing based on what the local market can bear.
By restricting access, a business can prevent low-priced market customers from accessing services or products intended for a high-priced market.
Let’s take Spotify as an example.
Spotify has geoblocked certain features, like Spotify Podcasts, in countries like Pakistan. But they are available in high-priced markets like the US.
Due to this, the subscription costs in Pakistan are lower than in the US.
This strategy allows Spotify to optimize its revenue by aligning prices and available features with each market’s economic conditions.
Content Relevance
Sometimes, the content itself might not be relevant or appropriate for certain regions due to:
- Cultural differences
- Language barriers
- Local interests, etc.
Geoblocking can be handy in these situations and help businesses avoid putting an extra load on their servers.
Government Control
Governments use geoblocking for various reasons.
Some governmental websites restrict access to sensitive information to citizens of their own country.
On the other hand, authoritarian regimes may block external websites to control the information that reaches their citizens.
They do it to maintain a tighter grip on public perception and dissent. Gross, isn’t it?
Protecting Intellectual Property
Companies also use geoblocking to protect their intellectual property from illegal copying or unauthorized distribution.
Companies can reduce the risk of IP theft by controlling who can access their content. This way, they can manage the distribution of their products more securely.
But is geoblocking even legal?
Is Geoblocking Legal?
Geoblocking may sound illegal, but it’s not.
Geoblocking is perfectly legal, especially when companies use it to comply with local regulations, licensing agreements, or copyright laws.
For instance, a software company might restrict access to its products in certain countries due to export controls or sanctions.
Similarly, e-commerce websites often use geoblocking to adhere to international trade laws that prevent selling certain goods in specific countries.
Besides compliance, financial institutions may also legally use geoblocking to enhance security by verifying IP addresses.
This helps detect and prevent unauthorized access from high-risk regions or known sources of cyber threats.
However, while it is legal in most cases, the EU has taken steps to limit geoblocking within its borders.
This is to promote a more competitive and integrated digital market.
Market in which consumers across all member states have equal access to goods, services, and digital content.
Okay, so up until now, we have understood what is geoblocking, its legality, and why companies do it. But how does geoblocking work? You’re about to find out just that.
How Does Geoblocking Work?
Geoblocking uses geolocation technology to determine a user’s location and control access to content accordingly.
Geoblocking works by using these four elements:
1. Internet Protocol (IP) Address
Using IP addresses is the most common geoblocking method.
Every device connected to the internet has an IP address. The IP address indicates the device’s location, including the country, city, and, in some cases, even the postal code.
Websites can then use this information to block or allow access to their content based on the user’s region.
But as common as it is, there are multiple ways to bypass IP-based geoblocking. I’ll get into that later in the article.
2. Global Positioning System (GPS)
Devices with GPS technology provide highly accurate location data.
GPS technology is beneficial for mobile apps that need to offer services or content tailored to a user’s specific location.
Such apps can easily geoblock content using GPS.
3. Domain Name System (DNS) Queries
DNS is like the internet’s phone book. It translates domain names into IP addresses so browsers can load Internet resources.
When DNS receives a request, it routes it through servers geographically closest to the user.
By analyzing these queries, a service can determine a user’s general location and apply geoblocking rules based on that information.
4. Browser Cookies
Websites store cookies on a user’s device to keep track of visits and activity.
Some cookies can store location information from previous sessions.
When a user revisits a website, it can read these cookies and identify the user’s region. This helps websites enforce geoblocking settings based on past interactions.
Now, it’s time to understand how to bypass geoblock restrictions.
How To Bypass Geoblock Restrictions
While websites usually geoblock content for legitimate reasons, there are situations where you might need to access restricted content.
Perhaps you’re traveling and want to access services from your home country. Or you need information that is only available on specific foreign websites.
Whatever the case, here are four ways to access geo-blocked content.
1. VPN (Virtual Private Network)
A VPN is the most popular and easiest tool for bypassing geoblocking.
It routes your IP through a server in a different region and masks your real IP address with one from the server’s location.
This makes it appear as though you are accessing the internet from a different country.
VPN services also encrypt your internet traffic and improve your online privacy and security.
There are plenty of free and paid VPN options available out there. You can choose the one that suits your needs and budget.
2. Proxy Server
Like VPNs, proxy servers act as intermediaries between your device and the internet.
Connecting to a server in a region with available content makes your internet requests appear to originate from that server.
However, unlike VPNs, proxies do not encrypt your traffic, which makes them faster but less secure.
You can manually set up a proxy server connection directly from your device to access geo-restricted content.
3. SmartDNS
SmartDNS technology, by design, helps bypass geographical restrictions without encryption.
Since it does not encrypt, it offers faster speeds compared to VPNs.
SmartDNS services work by rerouting your DNS queries through a server to where the content is accessible.
SmartDNS lets you easily stream media from streaming services like Netflix or Hulu, which have robust geoblocking mechanisms.
Just like with VPNs, some companies offer SmartDNS services. Again, you can subscribe to the one that fits your requirements and budget.
4. Tor Browser
While its primary purpose is to preserve your privacy, you can use Tor to access content restricted in your location.
It routes your IP address through multiple servers worldwide, which makes it difficult for websites to pinpoint your physical location.
However, due to its complex relay system, browsing speeds on Tor can be relatively slow.
Locate Your Visitors With GeoPlugin!
Whether you’re trying to comply with laws or access global content, understanding the geoblock system is important.
If you’re looking to enhance your website’s functionality by geo-targeting visitors based on their IP, GeoPlugin is your ideal solution.
Our service allows you to pinpoint the location of your visitors down to the city level. It enables you to offer content that’s more relevant to their geographical area.
So sign up today and access our easy-to-use API.
