Hulu is blocking VPN users, report alleges

By Konrad Krawczyk April 25, 2014

hulu is now allegedly preventing virtual private network users from using its site vpn — Image used with permission by copyright holder

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.

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Konrad Krawczyk

Former Digital Trends Contributor

Konrad covers desktops, laptops, tablets, sports tech and subjects in between for Digital Trends. Prior to joining DT, he…

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