Netflix targeting VPN users

US streaming service Netflix is stepping up its efforts to fight piracy by blocking subscribers who use web tools to access international versions of its VoD platform.

The streamer has begun a crackdown on subscribers who use virtual private network (VPN) services to avoid geo-blocking and access the US version of the site.

Netflix is under growing pressure from distributors who feel it is not doing enough to prevent people using VPNs to access its services, often from countries where it is not yet available, and flout their licensing agreements.

The US version of the site has a more up-to-date library of content compared to the versions of the VoD site currently available in territories such as the UK, Scandinavia and Latin America, with movies such as The Wolf of Wall Street and series including Parks and Recreation available.