Recently, users have reported that YouTube is cracking down on individuals who use virtual private networks (VPNs) to access cheaper premium subscriptions. This issue comes after the platform had been focusing on addressing third-party ad blockers that violate its terms of service. However, it appears that YouTube has now shifted its attention towards users accessing premium features through VPNs.
A user on the YouTube subreddit shared a screenshot of an email they received from the platform regarding the cancellation of their premium subscription. The email informed the user that they would be losing the benefits of YouTube Premium and provided steps to regain access. Many users in the comments suggested that this action was targeting those who had used VPNs to subscribe at a lower rate.
One of the main reasons users resort to VPNs for YouTube Premium subscriptions is the significant difference in pricing between regions. For example, while the Individual plan starts at $13.99 in the US, it costs only Rs. 129 per month in India. This pricing gap has led some users to use VPNs to access the platform from countries with lower subscription fees.
A YouTube spokesperson explained that the platform has systems in place to detect users’ country of residence and that it is asking those whose signup country does not match their current location to update their billing information accordingly. This move aims to ensure that users are paying the correct subscription fee based on their region.
This crackdown on VPN usage for YouTube Premium subscriptions comes at a time when streaming services are witnessing periodic price increases. Spotify Premium recently raised its prices for the second time in 12 months, while YouTube Premium raised its subscription fee to $13.99 per month in July 2023 from $11.99.
YouTube’s crackdown on users using VPNs to access cheaper premium subscriptions underscores the platform’s efforts to maintain fair pricing across regions. As streaming services continue to evolve, it is crucial for users to abide by the platforms‘ terms of service and pay the appropriate subscription fees based on their location.