The term geographic restriction refers to the clever use of IP addresses to limit accessibility in specific web content. In modern information technology culture, geographic restrictions carry a lot of advantages but also a few inconveniences that can easily mute the value of the internet as a whole. This post is dedicated to briefly discussing the many facets of geographic restrictions as well as employing the right strategy to counter the disadvantages that arise from this useful but oftentimes irritating technology.
What is a Geographic Restriction?
A geographic restriction is a protocol employed by certain websites to screen the user’s identity prior to granting access to any content. It typically does this by looking at the user’s IP address to determine the original location of that user. The geographic restriction coding is typically setup such that the network will only respond to data requests from certain countries or geographic locations while blocking out others.
A geographic restriction is actually useful for a variety of reasons.
- First, it is a great way to limit content that may otherwise have intellectual property implications and potential violations when distributed in other territories. By geographically restricting content to a few countries, network administrators can ascertain that only those with intellectual property licenses are allowed to view that specific content. This is particularly true of movies, or sports videos with heavily regulated distribution agreements.
- Geographic restrictions are also useful for limiting traffic. Oftentimes, network administrators are faced with the challenge of extensive data requests that may overwhelm the network. The best way to address this is via geographic locations that selectively cut off users that are pre-classified as not privy to the data being distributed.
The Problems and the Solutions to Geo Limitations
Of course, the nature of the geo restriction system means that some users are essentially cut off from the content they want. If you are in Europe, chances are that you can’t stream Netflix or Hulu. If you are in Asia, you are most likely blocked watching football videos on ESPN. These limitations are oftentimes annoying to the perspective of the user.
A great solution to this problem is achieved with the use of the best VPN service. It bypass geo limitations by masking and switching your IP such that the administrator will see the address as compatible to the permitted access and therefore responds to its data requests. The best VPN connections also come with ample security and privacy features that up the ante on the value of a good VPN.
If you are planning to get one to finally address your geo restriction problems, make sure to read VPN reviews on the best VPN providers so you can get the one that’s best for you. It will require payment of regular subscription fees but given its benefits, it’s well worth the value.
Try it today and see what doors it opens to help you satiate your thirst for new content.
Haros wrote this article and you can check out his blog for more details.