geoblockering

Geoblocking, in Dutch often referred to as geoblockering, is the practice of limiting access to online content or services to users in specific geographic regions. It relies on location signals such as IP addresses, device geolocation, or user account data to determine where a request originates and whether it may be served.

Most geoblocking is implemented at the network or application level using geolocation databases, content delivery networks, DNS responses, or rules in streaming platforms and online shops. When a user tries to access content, the system checks the location data and compares it to licensing terms, regional laws, or business policies before granting or denying access.

Common uses include streaming video or music libraries restricted to certain countries, regional price tuning for goods, and compliance with export controls or censorship laws. It is widely used in media distribution to enforce rights agreements, and also in e-commerce to comply with local regulations or taxes.

Geoblocking has raised legal and policy debates. In the European Union, the Geoblocking Regulation (2018/302) aims to reduce cross-border discrimination in online purchases within the single market, though enforcement and scope vary. Other jurisdictions balance consumer rights, competition, privacy, and national sovereignty in different ways.

Users sometimes try to circumvent geoblocking with virtual private networks, proxies, or smart DNS services, which can conflict with terms of service or local laws. Geolocation practices also raise privacy concerns about how location data is collected, stored, and shared, prompting calls for greater transparency and data protection.