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I understand that if I enable geolocation option in Firefox, then Netflix can learn where I am, and by comparing my actual location with my reported location, Netflix can deduce that I am behind a VPN.

If you consent, Firefox gathers information about nearby wireless access points and your computer’s IP address. Then Firefox sends this information to the default geolocation service provider.

But let's say if I disable that, will Netflix ( or other webservices) still be able to know that I am hiding behind a VPN? If yes, how?

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    So your first question is what happens if you change your browser settings? Why not simply test it?
    – user78244
    Commented Jun 19, 2015 at 9:42
  • This question might help: security.stackexchange.com/questions/43768/…
    – ρss
    Commented Jun 19, 2015 at 9:42
  • And this one too security.stackexchange.com/questions/71774/…
    – Neil Smithline
    Commented Jun 19, 2015 at 17:55
  • FYI, I'm pretty sure Netflix can't use that information to find out where you are unless you give it permission. On Chrome, when a website wants to find out your location a browser tooltip saying something along the lines of "Netflix.com wants to see your location. (Allow, Deny)" would appear. I'm pretty sure Firefox does something similar.
    – Ajedi32
    Commented Jun 19, 2015 at 18:40
  • Netflix might simply lookup your IP with a list of known VPN IPs ...
    – schroeder ♦
    Commented Jun 19, 2015 at 20:44

1 Answer 1

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They can't per se. But they can collect a list of the most popular known public VPN services and check if your IP matches with one of those VPN services. Whether they actually do that, I don't know.

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