Hollywood vs. VPN: The war that will decide the future of streaming

Do you use a VPN to watch Netflix catalogs from other countries or to protect your privacy? Hollywood, led by Disney and Warner, has launched a legal offensive to block them, accusing them of being a haven for piracy. This battle could redefine digital boundaries and your internet freedom.

Geoblocking is one of the most frustrating realities of the streaming era. You pay for a service like Netflix or Disney+, but the content you can access depends on your geographic location. For years, Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) have been a key tool for millions of users looking to bypass these digital barriers, allowing them to access catalogs from other countries or simply protecting their online privacy.

However, this practice may have its days numbered. The Motion Picture Association (MPA), which represents the most powerful studios like Disney, Warner Bros. Discovery, and Netflix, has declared open war on VPN providers, pressuring regulators to impose severe blocks and restrictions.

The root of the conflict: piracy vs. privacy

Hollywood's argument is straightforward: VPNs are a key tool for piracy. They argue that these networks allow users to hide their identity and access illegal streaming sites that have been blocked by court orders in their countries. The MPA seeks to hold VPN providers accountable as "intermediaries" and force them to cooperate in the fight against piracy by implementing automated blocking systems.

For their part, VPN providers and digital privacy advocates are fighting back, arguing that piracy is just an excuse to exert greater control over the internet. They claim that the primary and legitimate use of VPNs is to protect user privacy and security, and that forcing them to monitor and censor their customers' traffic would set a dangerous precedent for online freedom.

"This blocking approach, which has failed in the past, relies on blunt technical instruments rather than precise enforcement tools. It will not reduce infringement and will only cause widespread collateral damage." – i2Coalition, internet freedom advocacy group.

Is it legal to use a VPN to access catalogs from other countries?

This is the central question for many users. The answer is complex and lies in a gray area:

* Legality of VPN Use: In most Western countries, including Spain and much of Europe and the Americas, using a VPN is completely legal. It's your right to protect your connection and your privacy. However, countries like China, Russia, and Iran impose severe restrictions or bans.

* Violation of terms of service: This is where the problem lies. While not illegal, using a VPN to access another country's catalog does violate the terms and conditions of use of most streaming platforms like Netflix or Disney+. These companies have region-specific content licensing agreements and are required to enforce those geographic restrictions.

What consequences can this have for the user?

Streaming platforms invest in technology to detect and block IP addresses associated with VPN services. If they detect you're using one, you'll likely see an error message and won't be able to stream the content.

In theory, platforms could suspend or terminate a user's account for violating their terms of service. However, in practice, this is extremely rare. Their primary goal is not to punish individual users, but rather to pressure VPN providers to stop facilitating access.

The future of geoblocking and global access

Hollywood's offensive, supported by regulatory initiatives like that of the European Commission, could drastically change the landscape. If the MPA's proposals prosper, we could face a future where:

* VPNs become less effective: They would be forced to implement blocking systems, losing one of their most attractive features for streaming users.

* Increase surveillance: To comply with regulations, VPN providers may be forced to abandon their no-logging policies, compromising the privacy they promise.

* A fragmented internet becomes more widespread: Digital geographic barriers would become stronger, limiting access to information and entertainment globally.

The legal and regulatory battle currently underway is not just about piracy; it's about controlling information flows in the digital age. The outcome will determine whether the internet becomes a more open and global space or a set of walled gardens defined by geographical borders.