HBO is seeking to enforce an international lock-out of its HBO Now streaming service after
developing software tools to detect subscribers who are resident outside of the US.
The broadcaster is threatening to cast customers in Canada, Germany, Australia and the UK adrift as it seeks to cater solely for American customers, in-line with its broadcast rights.
Devised as a means of enabling viewers to access HBO content without a cable or satellite service HBO Now has proven popular with people seeking hit shows such as Game of Thrones without also buying a multitude of channels which they will likely never watch.
A loophole in the platform enables non-US residents to sign up however by setting up a virtual private network to skirt localisation restrictions, something HBO is now clamping down on.
Anyone found to be employing such tricks has until 21st April to contact the broadcaster with evidence of their eligibility, or face being cut-off without further notice.
