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I understand that if I enable geolocation option in Firefox, then Netflix can learn where I am, and by comparing my actual location with my reported location, Netflix can deduce that I am behind a VPN.

If you consent, Firefox gathers information about nearby wireless access points and your computer’s IP address. Then Firefox sends this information to the default geolocation service provider.

But let's say if I disable that, will Netflix ( or other webservices) still be able to know that I am hiding behind a VPN? If yes, how?

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Graviton
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    So your first question is what happens if you change your browser settings? Why not simply test it? – user78244 Jun 19 '15 at 09:42
  • This question might help: https://security.stackexchange.com/questions/43768/can-someone-tell-if-you-are-using-a-vpn-by-your-ip-address – ρss Jun 19 '15 at 09:42
  • And this one too https://security.stackexchange.com/questions/71774/how-can-i-detect-a-vpn-connection-even-just-in-some-cases-to-get-the-real-loca – Neil Smithline Jun 19 '15 at 17:55
  • FYI, I'm pretty sure Netflix can't use that information to find out where you are unless you give it permission.

    On Chrome, when a website wants to find out your location a browser tooltip saying something along the lines of "Netflix.com wants to see your location. (Allow, Deny)" would appear. I'm pretty sure Firefox does something similar.

     – Ajedi32 Jun 19 '15 at 18:40
  • Netflix might simply lookup your IP with a list of known VPN IPs ... – schroeder Jun 19 '15 at 20:44
  • @user78244, how to test? Even if you hide behind a VPN and Netflix doesn't complain about it, it doesn't mean that Netflix doesn't know about it, Netflix might still know, just don't bother – Graviton Jun 20 '15 at 05:44
  • @Graviton I don't think they won't complain if they knew. In regards of geoblocking I don't think they would allow someone access to content if they knew that his location may be faked. If they would knowingly allow users access in such a case, I think that could get them in trouble with copyright owners. – user78244 Jun 22 '15 at 05:18

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They can't per se. But they can collect a list of the most popular known public VPN services and check if your IP matches with one of those VPN services. Whether they actually do that, I don't know.

Volker
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