Tech Desk 
Jun 20, 2024
Google is canceling the subscriptions of users who were obtaining YouTube Premium at lower rates by using virtual private networks (VPN), as part of a crackdown on this practice. According to a recent discussion on Reddit, numerous users who used VPNs to secure cheaper subscriptions in countries like Ukraine have experienced unexpected termination of their memberships.
Google appears to be enforcing regional pricing policies for YouTube Premium more strictly. The service adjusts its rates in different markets to reflect local economic conditions and meet consumer expectations. By using VPNs to conceal their actual locations, some users were bypassing these regional restrictions to subscribe at much lower prices.
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While some users have managed to contact customer service and renew their memberships, others have been informed that their cancellations were due to a change in location. These users were instructed to update their subscriptions using a local payment method and address to receive the correct pricing for their area.
This crackdown is not limited to Ukraine. Users from various countries who have used VPNs to obtain cheaper YouTube Premium subscriptions have also reported cancellations. This indicates that Google is making a broader effort to ensure equitable pricing across different markets and prevent users from exploiting price variations.
The situation highlights the ongoing tension between companies like Google and users seeking cheaper ways to access services. Google has not officially confirmed these actions, but users are advised to be cautious about using any workarounds to access YouTube Premium benefits to avoid potential account issues.
