Using a virtual private network (VPN) to access the American Netflix catalog or watch Disney+ content before it officially releases in France has become a common practice. The difference between what is legally allowed, what is prohibited by streaming platforms, and what a recent European court decision has clarified is often unclear. This behavior, though widespread, raises questions about legality and risk that are not always straightforward. The content available on platforms like Netflix and Disney+ varies significantly depending on your location. For example, a show that is available in the United States may not be accessible in France for several months. This gap has led many users to use a VPN to change their apparent location and unlock the content. The process is simple: connect to a server in another country and instantly gain access to a broader selection. However, the legal and contractual implications of this practice are often misunderstood. From a legal standpoint, using a VPN is not prohibited in France or the European Union. It is a legitimate tool used to protect online privacy, secure data, and bypass regional restrictions. There is no law in France that penalizes individuals for using a VPN to access foreign content as long as they have a valid subscription to the service. No known legal case has targeted users solely for this reason, and the use of a VPN is not considered illegal in itself. The main issue arises from the terms of service agreed upon when signing up for platforms like Netflix or Disney+. These terms typically state that access should only be from the user’s declared country of residence and explicitly ban the use of a VPN to bypass these restrictions. If a user violates these terms, the consequences are usually limited to the platform, such as temporary account restrictions or error messages. There is no legal penalty, no fine, and no criminal charges for this specific behavior. A recent ruling by the European Court of Justice in July 2026 has further clarified the situation. The court upheld the validity of geo-blocks used by streaming services, stating that even if they can be bypassed by a VPN, they remain legally effective as long as they use state-of-the-art technology. This ruling does not validate the use of a VPN to access restricted content, nor does it address the terms of service of streaming platforms directly. It does, however, reinforce that the responsibility for unauthorized access lies with the content provider, not the user or the tool used to bypass the restrictions. In summary, the key distinction is between what is prohibited by a platform and what is prohibited by law. Using a VPN to access content from another country with a legal subscription does not constitute a criminal offense but may result in the platform restricting access. However, the use of a VPN to access pirated or unauthorized content is illegal and subject to penalties. Users should be aware of the terms of service of the platforms they use and choose reliable, secure VPN services to avoid potential issues.