Streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime often restrict access to their content based on a user’s location. This means that users in certain countries or regions may not be able to watch certain titles due to copyright and licensing agreements.
The main reason for this restriction is the way streaming services obtain the rights to stream specific content. When a streaming service licenses a title, it typically only grants permission to stream that content within a specific geographic region. This means that if you’re in a country where the content was not originally produced or released, the streaming service may not have obtained the necessary permissions.
For example, Netflix has separate agreements with studios and distributors for different regions, which allows it to offer a wide range of titles from around the world. However, if a user tries to access a title that is only available in another region, they will typically see an error message or be redirected to a geo-restricted page.
Some streaming services are starting to lift their geo-restrictions, allowing users to access content from other regions. For instance, Netflix has started to add titles from international markets to its service in certain countries. However, the extent of these changes varies depending on the country and the specific title.
In summary, streaming services use geo-restrictions as a way to manage the licensing and distribution of their content. While some services are relaxing these restrictions, many users will still face limitations when trying to access content from other regions.
Source: https://www.courant.com/2025/02/19/paige-bueckers-leads-uconn-womens-basketball-with-near-double-double-in-91-49-victory-at-seton-hall