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Mandatory VPN Detection Tools? Latest US Copyright Inquiry

Mandatory VPN Detection Tools? This is one of the latest inquiries to the US Copyright Office.

We want to know your thoughts in the comments. What do you think of mandatory VPN detection tools? Do you want every app or website to know you are connected to a VPN?

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According to a report by TorrentFreak, the US Copyright Office is apparently considering a recent inquiry about mandatory VPN detection tools.

A cybersecurity company called GeoComply wrote a letter to the US Copyright Office suggesting that VPN detection tools can play an important role in combating copyright infringement.

While some streaming services like Netflix, HBO Max, or Peacock TV already have VPN detection tools in place, GeoComply is pushing to expand VPN detection to other services and websites.

If you are using a VPN and try accessing Netflix, you have likely encountered the screen below.

Side Note: After testing several VPNs we did find that SurfShark does work with Netflix.

In the letter to the US Copyright Office, GeoComply CEO Anna Sainsbury said the following:

“As the U.S. Copyright Office explores potential technologies and solutions to include as part of the Standard Technical Measures under section 512, we respectfully suggest the inclusion of accurate and effective VPN detection tools to ensure the full protection of copyrighted works.

Our ability to help battle copyright infringement relies on providing online streaming companies and broadcasters with accurate and effective VPN detection tools to ensure that consumers asscessing their platforms are located in a jurisdiction where they have paid for that service and content.”

What does this all mean exactly?

Well, enforcing VPN detection tools for every single website, app, or service in the United States could be a slippery slope.

This would mean that whenever you are connected to a VPN every website operator, app developer, and anything you access online would be alerted that a VPN connection is in place.

Ultimately, this could open up an entirely new can of worms when it comes to censorship. It will be interesting to see how this plays out.

For more information, you can view the full GeoComply letter to the US Copyright Office below.

GeoComply Letter to US Copyright Office (PDF)

This isn’t the first time we have seen the US Copyright Office and other copyright groups push for stricter enforcement.

US Government Releases List of Top Pirate Sites 
Hollywood Companies File Lawsuits Against VPNs
US Court Demands ISPs Must Block Access to Pirate Sites

What do you think of mandatory VPN detection tools? Do you want every app or website to know you are connected to a VPN?

Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below!

For more information on the legality of streaming in the United States, see our detailed article below.

Is Streaming Illegal? What You Need to Know

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Legal Copyright Disclaimer: TROYPOINT is a tech website that publishes tutorials, news, and reviews. We do not verify if apps, services, or websites hold the proper licensing for media that they deliver. We do not own, operate, or re-sell any streaming site, service, app, or addon. Each person shall be solely responsible for media accessed and we assume that all visitors are complying with the copyright laws set forth within their jurisdiction. Users should be cautious of free streaming applications not available for install through respective app stores such as Amazon App Store and Google Play. If using unverified apps such as these, you should only be streaming or downloading content not protected by copyright such as works in the Public Domain. Referenced applications, addons, services, and streaming sites are not hosted or administered by TROYPOINT.

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