U.S.-based Hulu.com, a service that allows viewers to watch popular American television shows, is now reportedly blocking access to international users on VPNs (Virtual Private Networks).

People's Republic of Hulu.com

People’s Republic of Hulu.com

Hulu.com previously blocked access to its video content for international viewers because of licensing restrictions. So expatriates and foreigners would often get around this block by using a virtual private network service that made an international visitor appear as if they were visiting Hulu.com from the USA.

Now Hulu.com is reportedly blocking access to its services from users on VPNs, in the same way the Chinese government and complicit Chinese companies block access for their users to view other websites and for overseas viewers to view inbound content.