Geoblocking

Geoblocking (sometimes called geofencing or geogating) is a process used to restrict the access of an Internet user to Internet content based on the user’s physical location. Once a user’s location is determined through geolocation, the user’s access to content is either permitted or denied, based on that location. Continuously improving geolocation technologies enable geoblocking to be conducted with increasing accuracy and reliability, and for different-sized territories; users may be blocked if they access the Internet from a particular region, country, subdivision of a country, or even a smaller territory.

Geolocation can be based, for example, on self-reporting, using information provided by the user; the user might respond to direct questions about the user’s location or provide information from which the user’s location can be determined ...