International users

Question

Level 7

21,297 points

International users

In the Apple TV group, I've seen several questions from users who are obviously using devices to access US iTunes and Netflix from outside the country. The giveaway is when they mention that it works when they set the region to their own country. They are often quite vociferous regarding the inadequacies of Apple TV and iTunes in general. I attempted to report one such post (they were discussing the best service to use), but apparently hosts saw nothing out of line. I try to suggest that they might look elsewhere to resolve these problems. I have no personal problem with what they're doing, particularly since they actually pay for any content they get, so they're not actually stealing. But how should we handle them in these Apple discussions? Ignore them? Be as helpful as reasonably possible? What do you think?

PS I once suggested that someone in Japan might get a computer wizard to help set up a *** and that post went poof! so fast... OK, fair enough. But what about DNS proxies and "unblockers"? There's a lot of amazing technology out there.

Apple TV (4th generation), tvOS 9.2

Posted on May 10, 2016 10:13 AM

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Answer 1

Alex556

Level 1

100 points

May 10, 2016 10:37 AM in response to Diana.McCall

This is a complex situation because using an unblocker is a violation of Netflix's terms of service. To be clear, accessing content outside your own country is not what you are paying for. You pay for only the content that Netflix has licensed to your country.

It's best to not recommend these methods as they can lead to Netflix accounts being suspended or banned.

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Answer 2

May 10, 2016 10:19 AM in response to Diana.McCall

Continue to report them to the hosts if you feel that the post is a violation of the Terms of Use. Whether or not the Hosts agree with you is out of your control.

Whether you decide to help them is between you and your concience. Personally, I tend to point out that what they are doing is violating the Terms of Use of services like Netflix and may even be illegal and leave it at that. But then, I have a habit of giving unsolicited advice. 😉

All you can do is what you feel is right.

Best of luck.

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Answer 3

May 10, 2016 10:37 AM in response to Diana.McCall

All you can do is report it. After that it is up to the hosts what they want to do (and that can sometimes be variable). I recall one case where a Level 6 long-time user here who really should have known better was posting tips on how to get around Apple's restrictions on out-of-country iTunes Store downloading. Even when I pointed out the Terms Of Use violation the person still posted. I reported the posts but they remained. Can't do anything about it so move on. Just the barest mention of DVDs and certain actions and whole topics will be removed. Certain topics just seem to be more touchy than others.

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Answer 4

turingtest2

Level 10

278,363 points

May 10, 2016 10:24 AM in response to Diana.McCall

There is some guidance to be had in the Apple Support Communities Use Agreement particularly section 2.8.2. If you think a post is out of order report it and then leave it to the hosts.

tt2

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Answer 5

Diana.McCall Author

Level 7

21,297 points

May 10, 2016 10:46 AM in response to turingtest2

Thank you all for the advice. Obviously, I would never (again) even suggest that this was possible, although in some areas like Australia, it seems that "everyone" is doing it, and it's the reason they buy Apple TV. They know they're violating the services' terms of use, since it's so difficult to do, so there's little point in chiding them for that. I guess we just try to help them get their devices working normally and leave the rest to them. I was wondering if Apple retained the posts as trolls to see if any other fish bit.

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Answer 6

turingtest2

Level 10

278,363 points

May 10, 2016 11:01 AM in response to Diana.McCall

Generally it is about context. If somebody asks how they can recover the media from a device because their computer died I will happily tell them. If they ask how to copy all of the media from their friend's iPhone into their library I will either ignore it or have a gentle prod at their conscience. If it is particularly blatant I will report. While there is a general prohibition against rants some seem to be allowed to stand to act as honeypots.

tt2

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