YouTube screws non-US netizens with US-only full length TV eps

Alex Zaharov-Reutt
Sunday, 12 October 2008 16:05

Opinion and Analysis

The YouTube team ends by saying “So if watching the newest installment of "Beverly Hills 90210" has you nostalgic for your favorite Brenda and Brandon moments, or if you're counting the days until the "Star Trek" movie release, you can watch your favorite TV on YouTube,” – but they forgot to add – only if you live in the United States of America.

Most of the commenters to this blog entry are international, and they’ve all complained that non-US users are really getting a raw deal.

User “OwenCutajar” said “What's the point of rolling out an "Internet" service that's only available in one country? What about the other 95% of web users?”

FFlink said: “Due to some right restrictions, content is only available for US visitors. gnaaa!”

nimamc said: “everything is US only, I can't believe this!!!!”

Bolerophon said: “WOW! G'eee thanks.. Only 1 problem: 99,7% of the world population can't see it.. :S”

Xecutioner112 said: “This is very cool, but the same problem as IMDB, only available in US! Can someone tell us something about the rules for this or whether it ever will be available for Europe?”

mostwantedsongs said: “US only, they still don't understand that internet has no borders.”

So... great news from YouTube for US users, but as usual, the rest of the world can wait, which ain’t so great mate.

CBS has closed its international content gate, if we ever get this content it will be very, very late, just how long will we have to wait?

Sadly there isn’t even any tentative international viewing date... this is one decision that doesn’t rate... and it’s a situation everyone outside the US loooooves to hate.