In a bold move, YouTube has begun canceling Premium subscriptions for users who signed up using a VPN to get cheaper rates. This new policy has left many subscribers in shock as the company aims to crack down on those exploiting regional pricing differences. According to a statement to TechCrunch, YouTube is determined to ensure that users are billed according to their actual country of residence.

Users have taken to Reddit to express their frustration over sudden cancellations, revealing that they were informed their subscriptions were voided due to discrepancies between their sign-up and current locations. One UK-based user, who had been using a Ukrainian IP address, reported being told to switch to a UK billing plan, resulting in a significant price hike from £2.30 to £12.99 per month.

This move comes on the heels of YouTube’s ongoing battle against ad blockers, reinforcing the company’s commitment to fair pricing practices. While YouTube has not explicitly confirmed the VPN crackdown, it did tell PCMag about canceling memberships for accounts with falsified signup information. As YouTube continues to enforce its policies, Premium users who relied on VPNs for discounted rates now face the reality of paying full price.