Advanced Television

HBO Now threatens cut-off for VPN users

April 22, 2015

HBO is threatening to cut off paying customers of its HBO Now streaming  service if they are outside the US. The premium broadcaster has sent emails to people around the world it has detected are using software tools to access HBO Now.

HBO said it took the action because it only has the right to broadcast shows in the US and people living in the country. Email messages were sent to people in Canada, the UK, Germany and Australia, according to tech site Torrent Freak.

HBO Now allows viewers in the US to watch HBO’s programmes without the need to have a subscription to a television or cable service at a costs of $14.99 a month.

However, many people living in other countries have subscribed to HBO Now and used a variety of tools, including virtual private networks (VPNs), to get around the restrictions designed to stop people outside the US seeing popular shows such as Game of Thrones and Silicon Valley.

The messages from HBO warn them that they will be cut off if they do not contact HBO and satisfy them that they are eligible to watch the service. Those who do not contact HBO will be cut off without further notice, said the company.

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