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171

Google clamps down on VPN workarounds for cheaper YouTube Premium subscriptions (www.androidauthority.com)

submitted 4 months ago by [email protected] to c/[email protected]

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[–] [email protected] 15 points 4 months ago* (last edited 4 months ago) (3 children)

It sounds kinda illegal. Can Coca-cola stop me from going to Denmark to buy for danish prices and claim I have to pay Norwegian prices?

It’s directly comparable to buying danish subscription and using the service from a danish exit. If my data originates in china and are vpn-ed to Denmark they have the same cost on providing me service as anyone else in Denmark

Edit: I’ve never been to China, but it’s like really far away from Denmark.

[–] [email protected] 5 points 4 months ago (1 children)

In the EU, this is illegal. As an EU resident, you have the right to subscribe to any service in another EU country.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 4 months ago

Yeh - but it does not include efta

[–] [email protected] 3 points 4 months ago (1 children)

There's probably something in the terms about it, and it would take a very expensive legal battle to settle it. And I doubt it has enough legal merit to be taken on as a class-action lawsuit.

So, really, does it matter if it's illegal? With the asymmetrical power imbalance, they literally don't need to care about the laws. Realistically, no EU regulator is going to fine them for cancelling "a purchase made in India", either.

[–] [email protected] 3 points 4 months ago* (last edited 4 months ago)

There’s probably something in the terms about it

2.3 Geographic Restrictions

The Paid Services, and certain content available within the Paid Services, may only be available in certain countries. You agree that you will not present any false, inaccurate or misleading information in an effort to misrepresent your country of residence, and you will not attempt to circumvent any restrictions on access to or availability of the Paid Services or content available within the Paid Services.

Terminations and Suspensions by YouTube

YouTube reserves the right to suspend or terminate your Google account or your access to all or part of the Service if (a) you materially or repeatedly breach this Agreement; (b) we are required to do so to comply with a legal requirement or a court order; or (c) we believe there has been conduct that creates (or could create) liability or harm to any user, other third party, YouTube or our Affiliates.

I don't understand these surprise pikachu reactions from some people. If you break the terms of service you are running the risk that the company in question will terminate your service or account at some point in the future. There is nothing controversial or surprising about this, other than the fact that Google has taken so long to get around to it.

[–] [email protected] 9 points 4 months ago (2 children)

If you're a convenience store but pallets of Coca Cola, then they kind-of can. They can just blacklist you from buying Coca Cola in the foreign country.

It's also different because they're selling you continuous access one month at a time instead of a physical good you drink and they can't take away from you. I've been to places where service costs are lower for locals than for tourists, and this is told to you outright. Stuff like museums, taxis, etc. It's a similar idea YouTube has.

Prices are also almost never based on cost, they're based on what people will pay.

I live in Canada, and cars are more expensive here than in the USA. US dealerships near the border refuse to sell new cars to Canadians, even though it's legal for everyone as long as you make sure to pay duties on the way back. I'm guessing each brand has some rule against it.

Ultimately VPN users aren't a protected class so it's legal to discriminate.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 4 months ago

I’m still not sure your car thing would match here - unless they refuse to sell you a car that you only use in the USA. I’m guessing these stores are brand owned? Why else would you refuse a sale - even if it’s useless to the buyer

I could see rights come into play - but they usually regulate within the nation.

I would think this is connected to name/address/payment not matching the country you claim to live in. If it’s VPN detection then a WiFi router doing the VPN would work fine.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 4 months ago

Ultimately VPN users aren't a protected class so it's legal to discriminate.

This is what I've always found fascinating about companies and governments trying to block their usage.

All major firms/companies/governments use them, so, how the hell are they gonna stop them when their bosses get poked that's something's up 🙉

Fun times ahoy.