If you use virtual private networks, or VPNs, to conceal
your identity while surfing the Internet, you may be a
little steamed at Hulu’s decision to block anyone
attempting to use their site while connected to the Web
via a VPN. Hulu has begun employing the practice this
week, TorrentFreak reports .
Hulu is reportedly blocking the use of VPNs because a
large amount of people outside of the U.S. have
allegedly been using them to connect to and use the
streaming site via an IP address based here in the
states. However, the blocks also apply to U.S.-based
Hulu users who lean on VPNs in their efforts to maintain
as much privacy and anonymity on the Web as possible.
Now, if you attempt to use Hulu via a VPN, you’ll see
the notice pictured above, which reads: “Based on your
IP-address, we noticed that you are trying to access
Hulu through an anonymous proxy tool. Hulu is not
currently available outside the U.S. If you’re in the U.S.
you’ll need to disable your anonymizer to access videos
on Hulu.”
Naturally, this affects the businesses and mission of
VPN providers, like Private Internet Access, who are
reportedly in talks with Hulu regarding a resolution.
“Private Internet Access exists to protect the privacy of
netizens everywhere. Many of our customers leave their
Private Internet Access accounts enabled 24/7/365. It is
unfortunate that Hulu is blocking VPN service IPs,”
Private Internet Access CEO Andrew Lee said when
speaking with TorrentFreak.
However, TorGuard, another VPN service provider,
already has a workaround in mind once all of their IP
addresses are stonewalled by Hulu.
“In the event of wide-spread IP blocking a quick fix for
the problem is to use a dedicated VPN IP. This ensures
that no other user on the network has registered an
account under that same IP address,” TorGuard CEO Ben
Van Pelt said.
Whether Hulu and VPN firms like Private Internet Access
will come to any sort of agreement remains to be seen.
Check back here for any updates pertaining to this
matter.