Intellectual Property Geographical Licensing

I have a question about the ethics of viewing TV shows or movies that are geographically licensed to a different location when using a legitimate, paid video distribution service. Is it halachically permissible to access this content if it requires using a workaround like a VPN, given that the content is fully paid for but restricted by location?

Shalom!

Thank you for your question.

If the movies are restricted by location, then watching them through “work arounds” is a form of theft and trespassing.

The maker of the movies have the right to decide who they want the movies to be accessible to.

As such, there is no allowance to find ways to watch them. If you purchased these movies knowing that they were restricted in your area your purchase has no validity.

However, if you reach out to the company and they say that the reason for the restriction is not a business strategy but rather its a result of government bureaucracy then it would be permitted if you paid for it.

I will just remind readers that there is hardly a movie or TV show that has proper content. Almost all movies and TV shows have inappropriate and objectionable sights, themes, language, and the like.