Geoblocking is ‘not fair to users’ finds Productivity Commission report

Australians are being screwed over when it comes to geoblocking, says the Productivity Commission.

AUSTRALIAN internet users will welcome a recommendation put forward by the Productivity Commission calling for geoblocking of online content to be done away with.
It’s likely we’ve all had the frustrating experience of clicking on a video clip from one of our favourite shows only to be met with a screen telling us the particular content is not available in our region.
It’s one of the more frustrating things for Australian netizens but if the recommendation is acted upon by the government, it would make it clear that it is not illegal for Australians to use Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) and proxies to access regionally restricted content on sites such as Netflix and HBO Now.
The anti geoblocking sentiment was just one of the things to come from the 12-month inquiry into Australia’s intellectual property system. The draft report was released early this morning.
Geoblocking technology is lauded by rights holders as necessary for the creators of content to receive viable compensation for their work but critics have said the technique is used to exploit certain customers.
“The use of geoblocking technology is pervasive, and frequently results in Australian consumers being offered a lower level of digital service (such as a more limited music or TV streaming catalogue) at a higher price than in overseas markets,” the report said.