YouTube takes action against loophole allowing use of VPN for Premium subscription

According to a recent report, YouTube is taking measures to prevent users from using VPNs to obtain discounted Premium subscriptions.

Despite being known as one of the top streaming platforms with a diverse range of content, YouTube has faced criticism since implementing a price increase for its YouTube Premium service in July of last year. This has led to individuals finding ways to access lower subscription prices in different countries.

The platform owned by Google is currently canceling these subscriptions automatically in order to guarantee that users are charged the correct price based on their location.

Numerous individuals shared their disappointment with YouTube’s decision by posting screenshots of the communication they received on Reddit.

According to a Google support agent quoted by PCmag, YouTube is taking action against accounts that have provided false information about their country of origin in order to obtain cheap premium plans through the use of VPNs. These users will be notified through email and an in-app notification about the cancellation of their premium memberships for violating YouTube’s Paid Terms of Service.

Some users who were not aware of this option were able to use a VPN to falsely appear as if they were located in a country where the subscription was offered at a discounted rate. This allowed them to sign up using an international payment card and save money.

In certain areas, the cost of a YouTube Premium membership is nearly 90% lower than that in the US. For instance, the price for YouTube Premium in Ukraine is $2.40 per month, whereas in the US and UK, the Premium tier is offered at a rate of $14 to $15 per month.

“According to a representative from YouTube, our systems are designed to identify the country of our users in order to provide accurate plans and offers. If a user’s sign-up country does not match their current location while accessing YouTube, we kindly request that they update their billing information to reflect their current country of residence.”

Despite the unusual occurrence of varying prices for a digital subscription, these users may be required to renew their subscription to YouTube Premium at their regional pricing in order to access the Premium features.