Given how Netflix is a go-to for most of us, streaming our favorite shows while in China might seem gruesome. A lot of you may know, but for those who don’t, there are a lot of restrictions or bans in place for Netflix and many other apps and sites. However, you have nothing to worry about as this guide will help you with everything related to technicalities that arise when using VPNs and what to do. This guide will also walk you through legal practices and the methods that would help you get Netflix in China.
Why There Are Such Limitations
China has the most advanced censorship system, also popularly known as the Great Wall. This helps maintain strict laws against anything on the Internet. This section will also answer all your queries, such as, ”Why is Netflix banned?” and, ”How does this system work?”
Great firewall and its Effects on Netflix
The great firewall uses more than one system consisting of laws, multi-network analysis, and control techniques to regulate the Internet. Inspection has also been used to deal with malicious websites or services that cannot comply with the Government’s specific rules. These measures aim to restrict or push out what the Government finds inappropriate or unexpected content.
First, a Netflix license to operate in China has never been issued. Please make no mistake: the licensing monopoly finally stopped them as they couldn’t meet the Chinese Government’s regulatory standards. Secondly, since most of their content would not even be close, Netflix necessarily cannot be counted as compliant with Censor policies in the China region. This leads us to conclude that as of 2018, there were zero chances of the platform being recognized. That is why, for any user trying to access any sub-content of the larger streaming platform, be it from China via the American headquarters page, it simply does not load and remains blank.
When one understands such an infrastructure, one can visualize how this kind of mechanism and measures can assist in the circumvention of such restrictions.
Legal Considerations: Is Using a VPN Allowed in China?
The legality of using VPNs in China is an interesting topic. Such a function has never been allowed without a government explanation. Due to their popularity, VPNs are a very busy business with the Chinese Government, and a large number of VPN companies are banned by law. Nevertheless, in many cases, VPNs are used by expatriates or travelers and, in some cases, even locals because of the content that is often restricted.
Even though the target is usually VPN providers instead of users, it does come with certain risks. Users who are paying attention may be heavily fined for engaging in such activities, or people may be caught using unauthorized tools and may have their internet access limited. This is precisely why one needs to be fully apprised of the risks and legal ramifications before trying to operate a VPN in China.
Techniques to Get Around Netflix’s Boundaries
Operating in China without restrictions entails being savvy with tools that can overcome geo-blocking. Every tool has different advantages and disadvantages, and which one best suits you will depend on your particular needs and the extent of risk you are willing to take.
VPN (Virtual Private Network)
VPN is usually the easiest tool to use to get access to geo-restricted content. It routes your internet traffic through servers situated in other countries and covers up your real IP Address so that it seems that you are browsing from a different location.
VPNs work particularly well with Netflix because they add a layer of protection against being blocked by the Great Wall. Numerous VPN providers have many servers in different countries, which mean that users can access Netflix’s country-based libraries. For example, switching to an American server can enable one to enjoy the American version of Netflix, which is popular for its numerous movies and shows.
Nonetheless, VPNs are not 100% guaranteed solutions. Various VPNs are available. However, the Chinese Government blocks most of the popular ones, and only a few of them can be said to work consistently within the country. Additionally, before arriving in China, downloading or setting up a VPN is crucial; otherwise, obtaining a VPN from China would be unimaginable. What follows next is proxy services.
Proxy Servers
Proxy Services start when devices first connect to the Internet. These devices do not connect directly to a VPN. A proxy access point is created somewhere in the vicinity, allowing the device to send an IP blog message, preferably through a different VPN server, bypassing geographical location blocks.
Proxies do not encrypt your traffic, and in turn, this makes them less secure than VPNs. However, they are still able to provide better speeds than VPNs. Because of these reasons, Chinese authorities are much more likely to catch you, even using proxy sites. It’s clear proxy users are not very concerned about privacy, for the use of a proxy site is a big risk all in and of itself. Proxy users generally prefer the faster speeds offered rather than taking the many risks required to do so.
Smart DNS
As an alternative, consider Smart DNS services allowing access to international domains. Smart DNS Services filter your DNS queries through their servers located in allowed regions, enabling access to multiple domains.
Another interesting point about Smart DNS services is that they are faster than VPNs. Smart DNS Services make it possible to stream unfettered high-quality video. However, they do not offer the same level of protection as VPNs and are not effective in China since the Great Firewall of China can easily detect them.
Using Smart DNS services in China can be dangerous, and it requires extensive calculations and methods to avoid injury. Users should take appropriate precautions because their information could be at risk.
Risks of Using a VPN in China
Using a VPN in China tends to draw a lot of unwanted attention, as the Chinese Government keeps track of every online activity of its citizens. Unauthorized VPNs are easy to track, as China has the technological support and will to locate anyone who makes use of such VPNs.
One significant risk is that some VPNs fail to provide expected privacy while others are easily found. Several free or poorly made VPNs are easily recognizable and can risk your data. But Planet VPN is the one to help you because of its vital functionality and best security concerns for their users. Even though you are in China, Planet VPN will help you the best to browse easily and have access to Netflix without any security and location barriers. Secured and reliable VPNs like Planet VPN are the only choice you have to consider while watching Netflix in China.
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Detection by Authorities
The Great Firewall has been able to gather amazing technological support in the form of deep packet inspection, which helps the Government track the flow of data. This technology assists in identifying VPN patterns, which would make it easy for the authorities to block the connection or reduce its speed.
Limiting the chances of being perceived as using VPNs with stealth technologies that help avoid DPI would be best. Spoofing asserts that it is a VPN traffic disguising technique, which makes the possibility of being raised very low.
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Potential Bans on Certain VPN Providers
The Chinese Government often releases a list of banned VPN providers subject to change. Individuals need to stay up to date with all the latest news, as even the best VPNs can be suddenly turned off in China. Staying prepared and planning is crucial to constantly staying connected to the Internet.
Can I get banned from using a VPN on Netflix?
Netflix’s geo-blocking territorial restrictions can, to a certain extent, be undone through VPNs and other similar tools that are not allowed according to Netflix’s policy documents. While the platform’s primary response is to block access rather than suspend accounts, important ramifications are still recommended to be noted. As such, if there is a VPN in the connection, one might get the following message: You seem to be using a proxy, which cuts down access to not many but some particular titles among Netflix’s available content. In this case, the account does not get blocked outright, but a non-USA server is needed rather than the VPN. There are VPNs whose providers are knowledgeable and experienced enough to be using Netflix without the risk of their accounts getting blocked. These providers alter their server IPs regularly due to the ever-evolving methods Netflix uses to block them from granting access.
To sum up, China has a tendency from Netflix so bright, smart DNS proxies, and VPNs are risks. Also, the content is so sought for legal risks and other unwarranted risks, so users must remember the reasons for pursuing it.
Knowing the risks associated with Netflix streaming in China is necessary for a seamless experience. However, if you take the correct steps and choose Planet VPN which is the most reliable and secure VPN of all time, your privacy will remain intact, and local laws will not be violated while using Netflix. So give a try to Planet VPN and install it to start your journey!
