Be warned friends, Australians currently using geo-block dodging VPNs to watch Game Of Thrones on HBO’s streaming service HBO Now have been told they’ll be cut off this month.
Reports Fairfax, HBO has clued on that many Australian’s are using VPNs to access their US-only streaming service and have been sending out emails warning that they’ll soon be putting a stop to that.
“It has come to our attention that you may have signed up for and viewed video content on the HBO NOW streaming service from outside of the authorised service area (the United States, including D.C. and certain US territories),” the email reads.
“We would like to take this opportunity to remind you that the HBO NOW streaming service is only available to residents of the United States, for use within the United States. Any other access is prohibited by our Terms of Use.”
HBO have given users until next week, specifically Tuesday, 21st of April to prove they meet the services eligibility requirements, or their accounts will be deactivated without further notice.
Aussies currently using HBO’s streaming service HBO Now were paying HBO $US14.99 per month plus VPN costs to watch the geo-blocked shows like Game of Thrones in high definition. Alternatively, to watch the show in Australia in standard-definition, viewers have to pay Foxtel a $30 a month fee, leading many to believe viewers will opt to illicitly downloading the show if they can’t pay HBO.
The news comes as the Australia government considers a new anti-piracy regime, leading to fears that the laws could affect the use of VPNs which is currently legal.
