YouTube is taking a firm stance against Premium subscribers using VPNs (virtual private networks) to access cheaper subscription prices in other countries. Recently, numerous users took to Reddit to express their frustration after their Premium plans were canceled for purchasing the subscription outside their designated region using a VPN.
YouTube confirmed that it can detect when a subscriber lies about their signup country and prompts the user to update their billing information. “To provide the most accurate plans and offers available, we have systems in place to determine the country of our users,” a YouTube spokesperson said. “In instances where the signup country does not match where the user is accessing YouTube, we’re asking members to update their billing information to their current country of residence.”
However, the company declined to comment on any cancellations. According to PCMag a Google support agent said YouTube was indeed canceling memberships for accounts with falsified signup information. Users violating this rule receive an email and in-app notification about the cancellation. This alleged crackdown comes a year after YouTube raised its Premium prices in the U.S., from $12 to $14 per month.
YouTube is actively targeting users who use VPNs to exploit cheaper Premium subscription rates in different countries. If detected, users will be prompted to update their billing information or face cancellation of their Premium membership.