How to Use a VPN or Proxy to Unblock Streaming Websites

Streaming is becoming more and more popular, changing the way we watch both TV series and movies. Originally, services such as Netflix and Hulu gave us the option to watch “video on demand”. In other words, we could watch episodes of series syndicated from other networks.

Nowadays, Netflix, Amazon, and Hulu are all producing original content, often of really high quality. These series and movies are generally available wherever the subscription service is offered.

However, shows syndicated from other networks may not be available in your region due to copyright issues. This can be very frustrating. It’s all the more difficult to get access when content is banned by your government.

But it’s not impossible to get access to this content, and in fact all it takes to unblock streaming sites is the right online tools. You’ll need either a VPN or proxy server.

What is the difference between VPN and Proxy?

Both VPNs and proxies will be doing essentially the same thing. You need to trick your internet provider or the subscription based website into thinking you’re in a different country. To do this, you are redirected through a remote server located elsewhere that is not associated with your IP address.

However, proxies and VPNs transfer information slightly differently.

Proxies carry your request through the remote server and thereby masks your location. But, there is no data encryption, and your system is vulnerable to both hackers and government surveillance. You are not kept anonymous and, especially in countries in which the government is strict on unauthorized content, you may be in danger.

VPNs, on the other hand, encrypt your data. They not only route your request through a remote server, but actually hide who and where you are and what you are doing. The security benefits of using a VPN are recommended even to those who have no interest in viewing restricted content, since it protects you from hackers and surveillance.

Although VPNs are not free, and sometimes slow the connection down slightly, they are worth the cost and effort.

Do your research

As of late, services such as Netflix have been under increasing pressure from authorities to stamp out unauthorized viewing of restricted content. They’ve therefore implemented strategies that can detect when you’re using a VPN.

Free VPNs are especially likely to be caught out, but there are some strong options that still manage to keep your usage a secret.

Do your research before committing to paying for a VPN. It is incredibly frustrating to sign up for both Netflix and a VPN service, only to find out that you can’t view most content anyway.

Be especially careful on free streaming services

When you’re viewing content from a paid service in another country, you need to be careful so that you’re not denied access. The stakes are higher, however, when you’re using a free streaming service, such as PrimeWire.org or ProjectFreeTV.

In these cases, you may be committing a crime, depending on your country’s legal framework. If you are going to risk it, use a VPN, even if you can gain access to the site without one.

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