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Netflix's Doomed Battle Against VPNs Begins (venturebeat.com)
An anonymous reader writes: Australian unblocking service uFlix recently announced that Netflix has begun implementing its plans to block users who take advantage of web proxies and VPNs to get around location restrictions on content. Shortly afterward, the service rolled out a fix to restore service, despite Netflix's efforts. The article makes the case that Netflix is probably just fine with this: "Netflix, ultimately, is caught between a rock and a hard place. The company has gone on record many times criticizing the way content licensing deals are negotiated globally. Of course, Netflix would love to be able offer a consistent library of content around the world. But it also has to stay on-side with those who hold the rights to the content, otherwise they may threaten to pull shows and movies altogether. The result is that Netflix is going through the motions of blocking VPNs, even though it understand perfectly well that these measures are doomed to fail."
Boss: Implement a system to block VPN .... so basically, write docs and look busy?
Me: Sure boss. What are the requirements
Boss: It has to look like it works, but it is better for the business if it doesn't work. You won't be rated badly if the project doesn't work and your stock price will probably go up if your project fails.
Me:
Boss: sounds about right.