Why are some VPN released IP addresses blocked?

Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) are widely used tools that help users maintain privacy, security, and access to content by masking their real IP addresses. However, some of the IP addresses assigned by VPN services are often blocked or banned by various websites and online services. Understanding why this happens is crucial for users and businesses alike, as it sheds light on the measures platforms take to ensure security and prevent misuse. This article delves into the reasons behind the banning of VPN-assigned IPs, the challenges faced by VPN providers, and the broader implications for internet security.

Introduction to VPNs and IP Address Allocation

To comprehend why certain VPN-assigned IPs are banned, it’s important to first understand how VPNs function and how they assign IP addresses to users. When using a VPN, a user’s internet traffic is routed through a remote server, and their original IP address is replaced by the IP address of the VPN server. This serves multiple purposes, such as encrypting the user’s data, masking their geographical location, and bypassing content restrictions.

VPN providers typically have a pool of IP addresses that they assign to users, which can be either shared among multiple users or dedicated to specific individuals. While VPNs offer several advantages, this very structure often leads to situations where some IP addresses are flagged and banned by websites and services.

Why VPN IP Addresses Get Banned?

There are several reasons why an IP address released by a VPN can end up being banned. Below are the key factors contributing to this issue.

1. High Traffic Volume from a Single IP

Many VPNs operate using a pool of shared IP addresses, meaning that multiple users can connect to the same IP address at the same time. This can result in a high volume of traffic coming from a single IP address. Websites and online services often monitor traffic patterns, and if they detect unusual or excessive activity from an IP, they may flag it as suspicious.

For example, if hundreds or even thousands of people simultaneously access a website using the same VPN-assigned IP, the service may interpret this as a bot attack or a Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attempt. As a result, the IP is flagged, and the website may block it to prevent potential misuse or harm to its system.

2. Malicious Activity Linked to VPN IPs

In some cases, malicious activities such as hacking attempts, spamming, or other forms of cyberattacks originate from a particular VPN IP address. Although it’s important to note that VPN providers typically have strict policies against misuse, it’s still possible for some users to engage in harmful behavior while using a VPN. When websites or services detect any such activity coming from a VPN-assigned IP, they are likely to blacklist it.

Since VPNs are designed to provide anonymity, it can be difficult for websites to trace the identity of the individual responsible for malicious actions. As a result, the entire IP address or even the entire pool of VPN IPs may be blocked to prevent further attacks.

3. Geolocation-based Restrictions and Content Blocking

Many websites and online services enforce geographic content restrictions, either to comply with regional laws or to manage their licensing agreements. For instance, streaming platforms may offer different content in different countries, or e-commerce sites might restrict access based on the user's location.

When a user accesses these services using a VPN, their IP address may suggest a location that is different from their real-world location. If the service identifies the VPN-assigned IP address as coming from a location where access is restricted, the platform may block that IP or limit access to certain features.

This is especially common with streaming services that regularly block VPN traffic to prevent users from bypassing regional content restrictions. As VPN providers frequently change their IP pools to avoid detection, websites may react by blocking large ranges of VPN IP addresses.

4. Reputation and Blacklists

Some IP addresses have a negative reputation due to their past associations with spamming, fraud, or other undesirable activities. These IPs may already be blacklisted by various security organizations, databases, or internet service providers. When a VPN assigns one of these previously blacklisted IP addresses to a user, the user may encounter problems accessing certain websites or services.

Online platforms often rely on third-party blacklist services to identify and block known bad IPs. If a VPN provider is inadvertently using an IP from a blacklist, it can lead to disruptions for its users, especially in cases where the IP has been associated with malicious activities.

5. Overuse of IP Addresses by VPN Users

Over time, some VPNs may run out of available IP addresses due to high demand from users. In these situations, a VPN provider might assign an IP address that has been previously used by other customers, which increases the likelihood of the address being flagged or banned.

Some websites or services may also use cookies, browser fingerprinting, or other methods to track users over time. If they recognize a recurring IP address associated with suspicious activities, they might take action by blocking it.

How VPN Providers Respond to IP Blocking

To mitigate the impact of banned IP addresses, VPN providers use several techniques:

1. Frequent IP Rotation: Many VPN services rotate their IP addresses regularly to avoid detection. By constantly changing the IPs that users are assigned, the likelihood of a single address being blocked for extended periods is reduced.

2. Dedicated IP Addresses: Some VPN providers offer dedicated IP addresses to users who need stable and consistent access to specific services. Dedicated IPs are less likely to be flagged or banned since they are not shared with other users.

3. Obfuscation Techniques: Some VPNs use obfuscation technologies that disguise VPN traffic to make it harder for websites to detect and block VPN connections. These techniques help users maintain access even if their IP addresses are flagged.

4. VPN Server Location Diversification: By offering a wide range of server locations, VPN providers can give users multiple options to choose from, reducing the impact of IP blocks in any one region.

Impact of VPN IP Blocking on Users and Businesses

For users, encountering blocked VPN IPs can be frustrating, especially when trying to access content or services they rely on. It can disrupt browsing experiences, prevent access to region-specific content, or lead to temporary service outages. Businesses and content providers, on the other hand, face challenges in managing VPN traffic. While blocking VPNs can protect against fraud and abuse, it can also alienate legitimate users who use VPNs for privacy reasons.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the banning of VPN-assigned IP addresses is a complex issue influenced by factors such as high traffic volume, malicious activities, geolocation restrictions, and the reputation of the IP addresses. While these measures help websites and services protect themselves from potential threats, they can cause disruptions for legitimate VPN users. VPN providers continue to refine their techniques to address these challenges, but users and businesses alike must remain aware of the evolving landscape of online security and content access.