Netflix is adding residential IP addresses to its VPN blocklists

Netflix is once again cracking down on VPN users who try to bypass geographical restrictions when using its streaming service but this time around some regular internet users have also been caught in the fray.

A report from Torrent Freak this week says Netflix is starting to block residential IP addresses as well as commercial IPs. VPN providers have taken to using residential addresses in order to fool Netflix into thinking there's no illicit access taking place.

Since Netflix first began blocking commercial VPN and proxy providers in 2015, those services have fought back by finding ways to evade its and other streaming services' blocking attempts. The simplest way is just to discard an existing subnet that's been widely identified as "VPN/proxy" and purchase another, "clean" space. This move can buy a blocklist evader a few days or even weeks before the new subnet is added to the list.

However, because of Netflix's increased activity, many people are now seeing "missing content" messages even when accessing the service in their own homes, without using a VPN. Some of these users can only access Netflix Originals, which are available in all territories.

Unlike the IP addresses assigned when using a VPN, residential IP addresses are assigned to AT&T, Xfinity, Verizon and other consumer internet service providers (ISPs). Although Netflix's decision to block residential IP addresses makes sense for its business, some regular internet users have now become collateral damage as a result of the move.

Although Netflix has not released an official statement on the matter, the company did offer some advice for those affected by the change in a recent tweet, saying:

"If you do not have proxies, VPNs, or other routing software but still see this message, contact your internet service provider. They'll be able to determine why your IP address is associated with proxy or VPN use."

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