Sometimes, you’re on Amazon or Hulu, and there’s a show or movie you’ve been dying to watch, but you find that the movie or TV show is unavailable in your region, much to your frustration. This is what is referred to as Geoblocking. Geoblocking restricts access to content depending on your geographical location. They monitor your IP address to see which region you’re from. If they detect that you’re from a restricted region, they will block access to the content you want to access. Some countries also block access to social media sites like Twitter, Facebook and WhatsApp.
In this in-depth guide, we’ll go over why geoblocking occurs in the first place, how it works, and what steps you can take to bypass geoblocking restrictions. So, without further ado, let’s begin.
Why Does Geoblocking Happen?
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There are several reasons why geoblocking occurs:
1. Licensing & Copyright
Geoblocking occurs due to copyright and licensing agreements. Content creators and distributors have specific agreements that grant them the right to distribute the content in particular regions and countries. They use geoblocking to implement these agreements.
2. Regulatory Compliance
Companies use geoblocking to comply with local laws and regulations. Some countries have strict censorship regarding content regulation and restrictions, and geoblocking enables companies to comply with these rules and regulations by restricting access to content that could violate local laws.
3. Targeted Advertising
Companies use geoblocking as a way to deliver ads and personal recommendations that are specific to the target audience’s location. It allows them to tailor their marketing campaigns to the preferences and behaviors of users from particular regions.
4. Security & Privacy
Geoblocking can enhance privacy and security by preventing access to services and websites from specific regions known for cybercrimes and attempting to gain unauthorized access to user’s confidential information and data.
5. Digital Rights Management (DRM)
Geoblocking is used to implement digital rights management, ensuring the content is only accessible in authorized regions. It helps to protect the intellectual property of content creators and distributors.
How Does Geoblocking Work?
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Your IP address is what makes geoblocking possible. Your IP address reveals your location, and that is how companies and authorities can block online content based on your approximate location. Governments and authorities can block access to certain content and websites, and companies can do the same. Here’s a step-by-step process of how geoblocking works:
- The most common way geoblocking works is to look at your IP address to determine your location. When users connect to a website or service, the website queries these databases to identify the user’s location based on their IP address.
- Some geoblocking methods also use Domain Name System (DNS) filtering to redirect users based on location. DNS servers can get configured to resolve domain names differently for users from other regions by directing them to different IP addresses depending on their exact location.
- Modern web browsers have a feature that allows them to provide location information to websites and other online services through the browser’s Geolocation API. Although users can choose whether they want to share their location, websites can use this information to implement geoblocking.
- Smartphones have a built-in GPS that can provide accurate information regarding where you live. The apps and other online services on mobile devices can use this information to implement geoblocking.
How Can You Bypass Geoblocking?
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You can bypass geoblocking and unblock websites in several ways to gain access to restricted content. Let’s go over the most effective ways you can bypass geolocation restrictions:
1. Use A VPN
Use a fast VPN to unblock sites and bypass geo restrictions. VPN masks your IP address and encrypts your internet traffic, making it difficult for ISPs, advertisers, and other third parties to decipher your data. A VPN assigns you an IP address from a different location, which you can use to access geo-restricted content. Your IP address is a significant way companies and authorities determine your exact location. VPNs also give you enhanced protection and privacy against cyberattacks and malicious actors.
2. Use A Proxy Server
You can also use a Proxy server to access geo-restricted content. Proxy servers route your traffic through a server from a different location, enabling you to gain access to content that is geo-restricted. Proxy servers are intermediaries between you and the website you want to visit. There are paid and free proxy servers, but we recommend a paid one. Although you can visit restricted websites using a Proxy server with a different VPN, it has a drawback that it’s not as secure as a VPN. It does not provide you with additional security or encrypt your connection.
3. Use The Tor Browser
Tor Browser was primarily created to focus on privacy and security and to help the user stay anonymous. The Tor network routes your internet traffic through a network of volunteer-run servers, enabling you to access geo-restricted content and remain anonymous online. A drawback of the Tor browser is that it works slowly. The Tor Browser also allows you to access the dark web and visit restricted sites. To access the Tor Browser:
- Go to the official Tor website.
- Install the browser to your device.
- Open the Tor browser and type in the restricted website that you want to access.
- Press enter and gain access to the restricted website.
4. Using Smart DNS
Smart DNS services are effective in bypassing geolocation restrictions. They do not encrypt the entire internet connection like VPNs do. They change and modify your DNS settings to make it seem like you’re accessing the website or online services from a different location. They vary the DNS servers on your device from a local one to one based in another country. Although they are free to use and easy to navigate, they do not help hide your IP address like VPNs do.
What Is The Difference Between Geoblocking and Geofencing?
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People often confuse geoblocking with geofencing. Although they are related concepts, they’re used for entirely different purposes. So, what is the difference between the two? Geofencing is a location-based technology that creates virtual boundaries or zones in the physical world. It creates a trigger that leads to specific actions and events happening when those boundaries or zones are entered or exited. They determine this through the user’s device.
Geofencing is most commonly used in mobile applications and uses GPS and other location services to determine the user’s exact location relative to predefined geographical boundaries. When the user’s device enters or exits a geofenced area, it can trigger notifications and alerts with the app.
Is It Illegal To Access Geoblocked Content?
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The legality of accessing geo-restricted content is a gray area that depends on various factors. It depends on certain circumstances, the content in question, and the laws of your country. Using a VPN to access geo-restricted content is not illegal unless it is explicitly illegal in your country. Many people use VPNs and other tools we mentioned to access geo-restricted content. VPNs are a safe choice to gain access to geo-blocked content.
Wrapping Up
Geoblocking can be frustrating and annoying to users, especially when they want to watch their favourite movies and TV shows or use a social media platform for entertainment. By implementing the tips and tricks mentioned above, you can quickly gain access to geo-blocked content and say goodbye to geo-restricted content for good.
A VPN, however, is the most powerful and effective way to unblock websites and geo-restricted content. In addition to offering robust security and enhanced privacy, it encrypts your connection, protecting you from prying eyes and ultimately making the VPN stand out. Try these tips and tricks and get ready to binge all your favourite movies and TV shows no matter where you are.
