How Malaysians Use VPNs to Access Global Streaming Services

October 11, 2024 By Johan Curtis No Comments 6 minutes

Over the past two years, the use of virtual private networks (VPNs) in Malaysia has seen a significant rise, particularly among those looking to bypass restrictions on streaming content. Popular platforms like Netflix, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer enforce geo-restrictions, which can be frustrating for Malaysian users as they are blocked from accessing certain international shows and movies. To overcome these limitations, many Malaysians have turned to VPNs, allowing them to unlock content from around the globe. In addition to streaming, some users also rely on VPNs to access casinos located outside of Malaysia, taking advantage of services not available within the country.

Accessing Streaming Services In Malaysia With VPNs

NOTE: Accessing Global Streaming Services in Malaysia is only possible with the help of a premium VPN like FastestVPN. Enjoy content-rich streaming platforms like ESPN+, Hulu, Max, etc., that are only available in select regions. FastestVPN uses industry-standard features to reroute your IP address with the best network of servers located in more than 50 countries globally.

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How VPNs Help Bypass Geo-Restrictions

One of the primary functions of VPNs is to mask the user’s actual IP address, making it appear as though they are browsing the internet from a different country. When a Malaysian user connects to a VPN server in another country, such as the U.S. or the UK, their real location is hidden, allowing them to access the internet as if they were physically in that country.

This enables Malaysians to bypass regional restrictions and view content on their favorite streaming platforms that would otherwise be unavailable due to licensing agreements.

For example, many Malaysians use VPNs to access Netflix US, which offers a larger selection of shows and movies than the local version. With a VPN, other streaming services that are inaccessible in Malaysia, such as Hulu, Disney+, and HBO Max, can also be unlocked.

By connecting to servers in countries where these platforms are available, users can evade geo-blocks and gain access to international content.

Popular Streaming Services Malaysians Access Using VPNs

According to a GlobalWebIndex report, Malaysia are in the top ten emerging markets for VPN usage. This highlights the increasingly significant role that VPNs play in Malaysia’s online streaming landscape. Below are some of the most popular services accessed by Malaysian via a VPN:

Netflix US: Known for having one of the most extensive content libraries globally, Netflix US offers hit shows and movies that are not available in the Malaysian version. By using a VPN, Malaysians can unlock U.S.-exclusive content, significantly broadening their viewing options.
Hulu: One of the most popular streaming services in the U.S., Hulu features exclusive content like The Handmaid’s Tale and a vast collection of series. Since Hulu is not available in Malaysia, VPN users can connect to a U.S. server to enjoy its extensive offerings.
Disney+: While Disney+ is available in Malaysia, not all titles or releases mirror those in other regions. By connecting to a VPN server in the U.S. or UK, Malaysians can access additional content and early releases of popular movies and series.
BBC iPlayer: A UK-based streaming platform, BBC iPlayer offers a rich collection of British TV series, documentaries, and films. Malaysians using a VPN can connect to a UK server and unlock the entire BBC iPlayer library.
HBO Max: Although unavailable in Malaysia, HBO Max provides a massive catalog of blockbuster films and original series. By connecting to a U.S. server via VPN, Malaysians can access the full range of HBO Max content.

This growing trend of VPN usage in Malaysia is evident, with a 2022 report from Statista showing that around 35% of global VPN users connect to servers in other countries specifically to access streaming services.

Legality of Using VPNs for Streaming in Malaysia

While VPNs themselves are legal in Malaysia, using them to bypass the geo-restrictions set by some streaming services raises quite a few questions. Technically, there is no Malaysian law that considers accessing region-locked content via VPN as illegal.

However, this does constitute a breach in the terms of service of popular streaming platforms like Netflix, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer.

For example, by the Netflix terms of service, it is assumed that users who have access to content should be limited to those for the country where their account was registered. Services of online video streaming started various attempts to detect and ban VPN traffic, while users who suffered in trying to bypass these restrictions faced the possibility of being suspended from their account or blocked from viewing some content.

Another potential risk to privacy comes from using poor or free VPN services. These services might not use high-quality encryption, making users quite vulnerable to data breaches or malware exposure. Users should be concerned with choosing the best VPN provider that strongly emphasizes at least security and privacy.

Choosing the Best VPN for Streaming: What Malaysians Should Consider

Several key factors are essential for Malaysians to consider when selecting a VPN for seamless streaming and effective geo-restriction bypass. These include:

Speed: High internet speeds are crucial for streaming content in high quality. Only a few VPNs are designed to handle large data transfers without buffering or lag. When choosing a VPN, consumers should opt for services known for their speed and stability to ensure smooth streaming.
Server Locations: The availability of a wide range of server locations is critical for accessing region-specific content. For instance, VPNs with servers in the U.S., UK, and other regions allow Malaysians to access platforms like Netflix US, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer. It is important to register with VPNs that offer servers in the regions where access is desired.
Streaming Platform Compatibility: Not all VPNs can bypass the restrictions imposed by popular geo-restricted streaming services. Some VPN providers offer dedicated streaming servers that ensure access to platforms like Netflix, Hulu, and Disney+. Malaysians should select VPNs that are specifically optimized for these services.
Privacy Features: Malaysians using VPNs should prioritize services that offer robust privacy features, such as encryption and a no-logs policy. This is especially important since VPNs are not only used for streaming but also for maintaining online privacy.

There are a few VPNs like FastestVPN that have built a strong reputation for balancing content streaming and privacy protection. With a vast number of globally deployed servers, fast speeds, and strict security protocols, these services provide everything Malaysians need to unblock geographically restricted content while ensuring privacy.

Conclusion

The rising use of VPNs for streaming in Malaysia reflects a strong desire among users to access global content without restrictions. While streaming platforms like Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, and BBC iPlayer continue to enforce geo-restrictions, Malaysians rely on VPNs to unlock this content. However, using VPNs does come with certain legal and privacy risks. By selecting a reliable VPN service like FastestVPN which offers fast speeds, extensive server coverage, and robust privacy features, Malaysians can enjoy a smooth, uninterrupted streaming experience while ensuring their online security remains intact.