Nice try, Google: YouTube’s ad blocker crackdown now includes third-party apps. That would explain why folks are seeing “The following content is not available on this app” errors. Google says it’s to ensure creators get their dues. Smells like a push to get you to pay for YouTube Premium.
Why you can’t access some sites while you’re on a VPN and what to do
Let’s say you’re browsing the web with a VPN. You’re protecting privacy, so you’re confident hackers and advertisers can’t track you. Then you try to go to a site, and it just won’t load.
This can throw a wrench into productivity when working. Or it can ruin your mood when trying to have fun online.
If you want to bypass those infuriating errors that say, “The page you are looking for can’t be found,” we can help. Here’s what to do when a VPN stops site access.
Why you can’t access certain content with a VPN
You can’t access certain apps or websites when your VPN is on for a few reasons. First, you may be dealing with connectivity issues. Perhaps the VPN you’re using is having server issues.
Some sites go out of their way to block connections from VPN servers. The site owners aren’t trying to make your life harder. They block VPNs to cover their backsides. (Legally, not literally.)
Many websites block VPNs because they don’t want to break their contracts. Simply put, many VPN users want to bypass geo-blocking features.
Say you want to watch content that isn’t available in the U.S. If your favorite show is available in the U.K., you can connect to a server there so your internet can access that show. Tap or click here to unlock international Netflix to access more movies and shows.
Streaming sites don’t like this. It lands them in hot water with the production companies they team up with. Here’s why:
- Streaming sites like Netflix and Hulu have long and complicated contracts with production companies.
- Those contracts may involve location limits as part of licensing contracts. Production companies often have stipulations like, “You can stream this show, but only in Canada since we don’t want it in the U.S.”
- Certain websites/services, like PayPal, Venmo and CashApp, identify users for legal purposes through their IP addresses. This is used to resolve problems such as fraud.
Streaming sites don’t want to violate the clauses in their contracts. They want to cover themselves and avoid legal trouble. Thus, they block VPNs.
Master Excel with these 5 genius tricks
You can’t keep track of everything on paper. Excel can play a significant role in your daily workload. Whether you’re a beginner or a pro user, there’s much to learn — like these five useful Excel tricks.
Want to become an Excel expert? It’s a good strategy for small business owners who want to grow this year. After all, you’ll generate tons of data. Speaking of which, here’s how to stop third parties from selling your data.
Scary signs that someone hacked your Amazon account
Returning items to Amazon is easy, but there are always exceptions. Here are four things the retail giant will not take back.
Then again, there’s likely some stuff around your house that Amazon, Target and Walmart are interested in. Trade in your old tech devices for credit.
Didn't get your stimulus money? What to do if your COVID-19 check went to the wrong account
Have you received your stimulus check yet? If not, you’re not alone. According to the IRS, millions of Americans should have already received their payments via direct deposit, but many people are reporting unusual glitches and hiccups preventing them from claiming their money.
See ya, CNET: Wikipedia just downgraded its trust badge for tech site CNET from “generally reliable” to “generally unreliable.” Since 2022, CNET’s use of AI has been, well, a mess — everything from outright errors to blatant plagiarism. PSA: Komando is the only name I know for tech news and advice you can trust. I pick the news here myself and write this very email every day.