Streamers in the UK could soon be blocked from watching their favorite shows on Netflix or listening to music on Spotify and other online services when on holiday.
As of now, a “portability” regulation exists to ensure that there is no discrimination whether a user is logging in from home in the UK or doing so when traveling throughout Europe. That’s how it should work, right?
Well, in anticipation of a no-deal Brexit, the government admits that the current portability arrangement would “cease to apply.” Brexit, as has been widely reported since 2016, is the impending withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the European Union this coming March. 
“This means online content service providers will not be required or able to offer cross-border access to UK consumers under the EU Regulation,” according to newly-released government documents. “UK consumers may see restrictions to their online content services when they temporarily visit the EU.”
However, a Netflix spokesperson denies this is the case. “UK Netflix subscribers are able to access Netflix everywhere in the world Netflix is available and will continue to do so once the UK leaves the EU,” a rep said.
New geo-blocking rules go into effect in December 2018 and will apply to UK citizens before a possible no-deal Brexit pending March 2019. If there’s no deal, it would have an impact on more than just streaming — everything from flights to train systems to trading and beyond would be challenged.
Source: The Independent
