YouTube is now cracking down on users who use virtual private networks (VPNs) to get cheaper premium subscriptions, according to social media users. Over the past few months, the video streaming service has been heavily focused on addressing issues with third-party ad blockers that violate its terms of service. However, it seems that he has now turned his attention to another source of income – YouTube Premium subscriptions.
Cracking VPN users
In a post titled “Automatic cancellation of YouTube Premium?” on the YouTube subreddit, user @Alopez1024 shared a screenshot showing an alleged email from the video streaming service regarding the cancellation of a premium subscription. The email notified the user of the loss of YouTube Premium benefits and also guided them through the reinstatement process.
In the comments, several users pointed out that this may be happening to those who use a VPN to get a cheaper subscription. It is noticeable that YouTube Premium, like many other subscription services, does not have the same price everywhere. For example, it starts at $13.99 (roughly Rs. 1,170) per month in the US for the Individual plan. On the other hand, the same plan costs Rs. 129 per month in India, which is almost 10 percent of the US price.
Because of this disparity, some users may have gone to the YouTube website via VPN in regions where its premium subscription is cheaper, in order to get it. That’s exactly the problem YouTube is reportedly tackling with its latest move.
YouTube’s response
Speaking to TechCrunch, a YouTube spokesperson said: “In order to provide the most accurate plans and offers available, we have systems in place to determine the country of our users. In cases where the country of sign-up does not match the one in which the user accesses YouTube, we ask members to update their billing information to their current country of residence.”
Streaming services have seen periodic price spikes lately. The price of Spotify Premium recently increased for the second time in 12 months. YouTube Premium subscription prices have also been increased in July 2023 to $13.99 per month, from $11.99 (roughly Rs. 1,000).
