Geo-Blocking
Geo-blocking restricts content access based on location.
What is Geo-Blocking?
Geo-blocking is a content access control mechanism that restricts video availability based on a viewer’s geographic location. OTT platforms use geo-blocking to ensure that content is accessible only in regions where distribution rights are granted.
Why geo-blocking matters in OTT platforms
Content licensing agreements are often limited by country or territory. Geo-blocking helps OTT platforms comply with legal and contractual obligations, protect premium content, and avoid unauthorized distribution across regions.
How geo-blocking works in practice
When a user attempts to play a video, the platform identifies the user’s location using IP-based geo-detection. Access rules are then evaluated, allowing or denying playback based on configured territories, regions, or countries.
Where geo-blocking is commonly used
Geo-blocking is commonly applied to live sports, premium VoD libraries, FAST channels, and region-specific releases. It is integrated into content management, entitlement systems, and playback workflows across web, mobile apps, and Smart TVs.