YouTube Reportedly Cracking Down on Users Exploiting VPNs for Cheaper Premium Subscriptions
YouTube Premium, like many other subscription services, has different pricing in various regions around the world.
YouTube is currently targeting users who utilize virtual private networks (VPNs) to access discounted premium subscriptions, as reported by users on social media. In recent months, the platform has intensified efforts against third-party ad blockers that breach its terms of service. However, it appears that YouTube has now shifted its focus to addressing another revenue stream: YouTube Premium subscriptions.
Crackdown on VPN users
In a post titled “Automatic YouTube Premium Cancellation?” on the YouTube subreddit, user @Alopez1024 shared a screenshot displaying an email purportedly from the video-streaming service regarding the cancellation of their premium subscription. The email notified the user of the loss of YouTube Premium benefits and provided instructions on how to reinstate them.
Several users commented, pointing out that this situation might affect those who are using a VPN to access a discounted subscription. It’s worth noting that YouTube Premium, similar to other subscription services, varies in price depending on the region. For example, the Individual plan starts at $13.99 (approximately Rs. 1,170) per month in the US. In contrast, the same plan costs Rs. 129 per month in India, which is about 10% of the US price.
Because of this difference in pricing, certain users may have used VPNs to access the YouTube website from regions where the premium subscription is cheaper. This is precisely the issue that YouTube is reported to be addressing with its recent actions.
YouTube’s response
In an interview with TechCrunch, a YouTube representative stated, “To ensure accurate subscription plans and offers, we employ systems to verify our users’ country of residence. If the signup country differs from where the user accesses YouTube, we request members to update their billing information to reflect their current country of residence.”
Lately, streaming services have been experiencing occasional price increases. Spotify Premium recently underwent its second price hike in 12 months. Similarly, YouTube Premium’s subscription costs were raised in July 2023 to $13.99 per month, up from $11.99 (approximately Rs. 1,000).
