Google Cracks Down on Cheaper YouTube Premium Subscriptions Via VPN

So much for having options.

User reports say that their YouTube premium which they availed through a virtual private network (VPN), where one of its features allows devices, can pretend they are in another country and thus, use their currency exchange rate to subscribe to services, has been canceled.

This comes as YouTube is doubling down on its efforts to clamp down on options for dodging the dreaded ads that we all hate. Some turn to ad blockers, while others employ another option, which is to use a VPN to see which country offers the cheapest YouTube subscription and subscribe from that country. While Google, and YouTube, by extension, continue its never-ending battle with ad blockers, YouTube also set its sights on YouTube Premium subscriptions via VPN and canceling such subscriptions.

The new crackdown seemingly first got public attention through the social news and networking site Reddit, where multiple users have pointed out that their YouTube Premium subscriptions have been canceled suddenly.

Their common denominator? All used a VPN to subscribe to the said service.

Online subscriptions, like Xbox Game Pass, Netflix, and YouTube Premium offer their products at different prices for each country to compensate for different purchasing powers and the local currency value.

Those with VPNs have long exploited this, looking for which countries offer the cheapest subscription.

In the Philippines, Individual plans of YouTube Premium can be had for PHP159 per month, while Family plans cost PHP239 per month for up to five members.

Meanwhile, for students, there’s also the discounted Student plan at only PHP95 per month. The last option is only for eligible students and is subject to annual verification.

So if you’re a VPN aficionado who used your smarts to subscribe to YouTube Premium this way and suddenly got your subscription canceled — you now most likely have the answer. (GFB)