Spoiler: Republic Act 10175 Section 4 - Article 4: (4) System Interference. — The intentional alteration or reckless hindering or interference with the functioning of a computer or computer network by inputting, transmitting, damaging, deleting, deteriorating, altering or suppressing computer data or program, electronic document, or electronic data message, without right or authority, including the introduction or transmission of viruses. You are interfering with a network's ability to block certain ISPs and regions by using a VPN. Sounds like they aren't handing out permission for people to use VPNs if they are actively trying to block those services. Of course, they would probably never go after anyone for using a VPN....but one could easily interpret the use of VPNs as illegal. Another little fun fact from that RA: "Cybersex. — The willful engagement, maintenance, control, or operation, directly or indirectly, of any lascivious exhibition of sexual organs or sexual activity, with the aid of a computer system, for favor or consideration." Talking dirty online is a crime in the Philippines.
The use of a vpn to indicate a us based server while using a foreign server (that is all I am talking about in the case at hand) for watching network shows violates the business preferences of some private media networks. It is much the same as the old region coding on DVDs. The content providers would be extremely happy if Uncle Sam were able to shut these services down; they could use the US government to enforce their private policies on the people. Too bad for them it hasn’t happened that way (so far). So, if content providers wish to enforce their region preferences they are on their own. If they spent some money and actually copyrighted their material in all countries served by VPNs, then they might have legal cases (in about 150 countries) where they could try to go after people violating the now-local copyrights. Of course, kodi as software is not illegal here but certainly some of their content is. I would never break the law and stream illegal porn in the Philippines or anywhere else. However, kodi also has content which may involve talking dirty in “R” rated movies here. But so does Netflix have movies with dirty talk but Netflix Philippines is legal. And by using a VPN, the only answer for companies who object is to find a technical or financial (pay) solution that makes it more attractive to just pay them as Netflix does. I object to THEM interfering with my rights so they can take the path of least resistance to block me for their private business purposes. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
International copyright laws are extremely complicated. It isn't as simple as "spending some money" to get that copyright material. Netflix cannot legally show you certain content in certain countries because someone else may have an exclusive right to show that content on their platform. (Example: Doctor Who is not on US Netflix because the BBC has exclusive rights to that show in the US. Almost everywhere else in the world you can watch Doctor Who on Netflix.) So by unblocking their region blocks there is a chance you are infringing on a a local company's contract to have exclusive rights to certain content. I'm sure Netflix and similar services would love nothing more than to be able to show all the content they have to all of their customers....but legally they can't. You have no "right" to view their content. But again, nobody is going to come after you for using a VPN for gray areas in the law.
They aren't "bad". Only pathetic and insecure governments and strong men fear an open and free internet. They need their people to be as ignorant and poor as possible to maintain their power. BTW: I'm just playing devil's advocate in my earlier posts. I see absolutely nothing wrong or risky about using VPNs in the Philippines. I use them myself from time to time....and I use them in countries where it is far more illegal.
There is nothing wrong with them but I know of at least one financial site that will refuse connection if you are in a VPN, Schwab. They say it is part of their security.
