Netflix and Amazon Prime Videos

[Porthos]

When running Privacy I have 2 issues.

Netflix "works" but will not allow me to even see that Netflix has a video (a whole lot of them) that I could watch without Privacy.

Amazon Prime Video will not work at all.

[exile360]

It likely has to do with either the region where the VPN's server is located, or those services are detecting the VPN's server(s) being used and deliberately disabling content (as VPNs are often used for connecting to such services from a different region to access different content).

[Porthos]

On 6/6/2020 at 6:27 PM, exile360 said:

It likely has to do with either the region where the VPN's server is located

VPN location always in the same country and also in Dallas TX and I am in San Antonio TX. Still an issue.

 

VPN off

 

VPN ON

 

Edited June 5, 2023 by Porthos

[exile360]

No idea then, unless it's just a matter of them detecting the VPN and modifying the displayed content because of it, likely to discourage the use of VPNs with their services.

[exile360]

I did a bit of research and located this article from Computerworld indicating that Netflix does indeed seek to block all VPNs and I also saw countless articles referring to the fact that Netflix blocks VPNs (often citing the issue I mentioned with possibly subverting their ability to display specific content to customers in their specific region).  Since they are probably using the server's IP address to determine that it belongs to a VPN, they are likely changing what's displayed as a result via a filter/block list which they compile, likely through telemetry.  It would be very easy for a site like Netflix to detect that numerous different accounts belonging to customers in different cities, states and even countries have connected using the same IP (one of the IP's belonging to the VPN provider, in this case, Malwarebytes) and so they likely then add that IP to their filter/block list.  Unless a VPN provider can somehow show sites their customers visit different/somewhat unique IP addresses there is likely no way to avoid services like Netflix from creating and using such block lists.  The entire process from detection to block list generation and implementation could all likely be automated, and it probably is considering how much money Netflix has to throw around and how long they've been dealing with VPNs and similar tools used to thwart their region blocking and differences in content served to each region.

[Porthos]

That is why I could not justify using a VPN on a 24/7 always on basis. I would have to always disconnect before using these services. An issue for me with dual monitors and for example one is streaming Netflix as I post this. My second monitor acts like having a TV on in the background wile working.

[exile360]

Yeah, if there's a way to configure a specific process/browser, or better yet, specific sites to not use the VPN, that would be very handy for issues like this.  There likely is some means of accomplishing it, however I'm not familiar enough with the use of VPNs to know what that might be.

[Porthos]

2 minutes ago, exile360 said:

There likely is some means of accomplishing it, however I'm not familiar enough with the use of VPNs to know what that might be.

Me either.

[gatortail]

Yes, those streaming services block VPN's.  While not perfect, I know at least previously while Prime blocked the VPN if you turned it on after starting to stream something that actually worked.

[nikhils]

Hello @Porthos

As @gatortail is suggesting , I would suggest turning off VPN, starting your Prime Video and then turn on the VPN again.

I had tried this test and it seemed to work for me.

Thanks.

[Porthos]

6 minutes ago, nikhils said:

I had tried this test and it seemed to work for me.

The workaround works for Amazon. But not Netflix.

[nikhils]

That is correct @Porthos

We are aware and are working on the Netflix issue and should have a solution for it in the future.

Thank you.

[NigelTheSensible]

Hi, it's the future.

Have you developed a solution for Netflix as I'm unable to even login when it's turned on.

Thank you.

[AdvancedSetup]

No, this is a known issue for ALL VPN software. Companies are protecting their intellectual property by monitoring means to bypass their system.

For short periods of time, one VPN or another will be able to bypass detection but sooner or later the larger multimedia companies figure it out and block it.