Trying For The Finest VPN Service For Streaming? Right here Are The VPNs That Are Value Your Time (Picture: GETTY • EXPRESS NEWSPAPERS)
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It wasn’t that way back that VPNs have been software program you’d solely discover on a piece laptop computer or the PC of a eager torrent person, however in the present day, Digital Non-public Networks (VPNs) are nicely and really mainstream. That is as a result of these apps are an excellent strategy to maintain your whole knowledge protected when on-line because of the military-grade encryption. That ensures your internet looking habits are avoided prying eyes, particularly on public Wi-Fi networks.
However most significantly, VPNs can bypass regional blocks to entry a wealth of TV reveals, blockbuster motion pictures, and sports activities fixtures to stream or obtain from throughout the globe. With a dizzying variety of servers out there, VPN customers will be capable to watch 1000’s of episodes not out there of their present location.
Sound good? Should you’re on the lookout for the most effective streaming VPN, look no additional than ExpressVPN.
This Digital Non-public Community has a devoted group that works tirelessly to make sure its servers can entry regional content material and streaming companies from across the globe. It has additionally managed to swerve the crackdown from Netflix (one thing that is not true for all VPN companies) to unblock all of its reveals and flicks. Higher but, you sign-up for an extended subscription plan to unlock some nice reductions – and utilizing Klarna, you’ll pay in small, manageable instalments. ExpressVPN has a 30-day money-back assure, so there is no danger in selecting one in every of these lengthier contracts to get the most effective deal in your new VPN subscription.
We have rounded up the most effective VPNs for streaming within the UK, in addition to various commonly-asked questions on VPNs, together with superior options like break up tunnelling and simultaneous connections from a number of gadgets. Scroll down for our full information on the most effective streaming VPN UKs, or get the most recent ExpressVPN deal right here.
What Is A VPN?
In a nutshell, a Digital Non-public Community (VPN) is an utility that creates a safe, encrypted tunnel everytime you go browsing. Should you’re related to a busy public Wi-Fi community, like these present in common espresso store chains and airports, the VPN will protect your whole web site visitors – stopping unhealthy actors from intercepting your knowledge. Again at residence, it would cease your Web Service Supplier (ISP) from holding tabs in your on-line exercise, much like a supercharged model of the Incognito Mode constructed into Google Chrome.
You may also wish to depend on a VPN to maintain your web historical past from prying eyes of the Authorities too, with these apps notably essential to whistleblowers and sources serving to journalists uncover wrongdoing, for instance.
In some international locations, like Turkey or China, various the globe’s largest web companies have been banned on account of powerful censorship legal guidelines. Should you’re visiting and wish entry to the likes of Twitter or Google to proceed working, you will want entry to a VPN.
However whereas encryption is a necessary side of a Digital Non-public Community (and the explanation that your office probably requires you to activate a VPN earlier than working remotely), it’s the means to manually alter your IP addresses that make these apps infinitely extra thrilling. And ideal for video streaming.
What Makes VPNs So Good For Video Streaming?
It is the flexibility to route your web site visitors by servers across the globe that makes VPNs so sensible for video streaming. By switching IP addresses to seem as when you’re based mostly overseas, VPN customers can unlock streaming companies which can be unavailable of their present location, in addition to completely different reveals and flicks on their present streaming video apps.
That is as a result of streaming companies – like Netflix, Disney+, and Prime Video – provide a special collection of reveals and movies in every nation they operated inside. Other than reserving a dizzying variety of flights, a VPN is the one strategy to entry all of this content material.
There are different streaming companies, like HBO Max and Paramount+, which are not out there within the UK but, which a great VPN can unblock. Likewise, when travelling overseas, a VPN can grant you the flexibility to entry streaming companies as when you have been sitting on the couch at residence. Whereas BBC iPlayer is accessible to look at on various gadgets within the UK, when you forgot to obtain offline variations of your favorite present or film earlier than travelling, you will be locked out of the app.
VPNs might be helpful to unlock TV reveals, movies and sports activities from any nation worldwide (Picture: UNSPLASH)
How Does A VPN Work?
For individuals who do not know, an IP handle is assigned to your machine everytime you hook up with the web and accommodates details about your present location. It is the explanation you are capable of see your handle on Google Maps or the best way that retailers allow options like Discover Your Nearest Retailer on their websites.
What is the level of fixing your present location, you would possibly ask? Effectively, a number of the largest streaming companies place geographic restrictions on their content material, normally on account of completely different licensing agreements in every nation. For instance, whereas Tina Fey’s seminal sit-com 30 Rock is accessible to look at in its entirety on Netflix in america, the present is barely out there by way of Sky Comedy (both by way of Sky Q, Sky Glass, NOW TV, Virgin Media or BT TV) within the UK on account of completely different agreements between the broadcasters.
Utilizing a VPN to manually tweak your IP handle, you can also make it seem as when you’re on vacation in america for the night. Identical to if you’re visiting on vacation, your present UK login credentials will work on all the Netflix apps, however the catalogue of reveals, documentaries, and flicks will probably be utterly completely different.
And it is not only for Netflix both. VPNs can be utilized to unlock a bevy of reveals and movies throughout a variety of streaming companies, unlock sporting occasions that are not broadcast in your present location, and subscribe to new companies that have not but launched the place you are based mostly. Likewise, when you’re away on vacation and a number of the on-line companies that you simply subscribe to aren’t but out there within the nation you are staying in – a VPN might help.
For instance, following the UK’s departure from the European Union, Sky Go now not works for UK subscribers on the continent. Should you’re overseas for just a few weeks, you will not be capable to watch stay broadcasts from terrestrial channels within the UK or obtain on-demand boxsets prepared for the journey again residence.
There’s additionally a slew of streaming companies, like Paramount+ and HBO Max, that are not presently out there within the UK. A lot of sports activities fixtures, together with Premier League matches, aren’t out there to look at on-line – irrespective of how a lot you are prepared to pay. As such, the one choice to entry this content material is to seem as when you’re outdoors of the UK with a VPN.
How Do You Use A VPN To Stream?
There isn’t any distinction between utilizing a VPN to stream and anything you would possibly do on-line. First up, you will must just remember to’ve downloaded the right app out of your Digital Non-public Community onto the machine you are planning to make use of. This might embody desktop software program, or an add-on to your internet browser, similar to Google Chrome or Firefox. If there is not a devoted app for the machine you are planning to make use of (some streaming dongles, like Chromecast with Google TV and Roku, do not provide the flexibility to put in a VPN onto the machine itself), you then would possibly must obtain and set up software program out of your VPN onto your Wi-Fi router, in order that each machine related to your Wi-Fi community is routinely lined by the VPN.
If that sounds just a little too technical, it is likely to be value switching to a different machine. As soon as you have obtained the applying up and operating, you will wish to allow the VPN (if it is not enabled by default every time that your machine connects to the web) after which navigate to the streaming service you would like to look at. Should you’re seeking to unblock content material from a selected nation (or use a streaming service solely out there in choose international locations worldwide), you will must handpick a server from the record of obtainable choices out of your VPN. You would possibly must refresh the streaming service – closing the app in your iPhone or Android, for instance – in order that it acknowledges that it has, erm, travelled overseas.
What Is The Finest VPN For Streaming Providers?
On the lookout for the most effective VPN for streaming? Look no additional than ExpressVPN.
This critically-acclaimed supplier ranked extremely in our record of greatest VPNs and greatest VPNs for Fireplace TV Stick, however in the case of streaming, it manages to edge out the competitors. That is as a result of ExpressVPN has a devoted group that ensures its servers throughout the globe work seamlessly with Netflix, even because the US streaming service has ramped-up efforts to dam folks overseas tapping into the huge library of reveals and flicks out there to Netflix subscribers in america.
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ExpressVPN – The Final VPN For Streaming Video
With its give attention to streaming, ExpressVPN’s servers are the most effective for video streaming with a VPN (Picture: EXPRESSVPN • GETTY)
Should you’re hoping to unlock new boxsets, sports activities and flicks along with your new VPN, look no additional than ExpressVPN. This blockbuster VPN service solely has a minimal impression on obtain speeds, so that you should not should undergo by countless loading instances earlier than getting caught into a brand new binge-able sequence from Netflix US, for instance. In spite of everything, when you’re utilizing a server that is midway across the globe, it would take longer to your knowledge to be beamed throughout the planet. That is one thing that ExpressVPN minimises as a lot as doable, one thing you will not discover with some extra inexpensive rivals.
Why ExpressVPN?
What We Love
At all times Including New Unblocked Servers For Netflix
Actually Quick Connections – Excellent For Streaming
Apps For All Of The Gadgets You May Ever Need To Stream With
By no means Retains Knowledge On Its Prospects
What We Do not Love
Can Be Dear In contrast To The Competitors
5 System Restrict May Be Too Restrictive For Some
However what actually pushes this supplier above its rivals is the truth that ExpressVPN works extremely laborious to make sure that it has a gentle stream of latest servers coming on-line to flee Netflix’s current crackdown on VPNs. Whereas some suppliers battle to unlock the complete catalogue out there in america, ExpressVPN by no means runs into a difficulty.
It additionally cuts out the trouble that you simply might need with some VPN suppliers that do not particularly exit of their strategy to carry on-line new servers that work with Netflix – switching between various places inside the nation to search out one which works. ExpressVPN makes it an impossibly easy tap-and-go. Should you’re solely planning to make use of your VPN to spice up your streaming habits at residence, for this reason you want ExpressVPN in your arsenal.
Should you’ve obtained a truckload of devices, the 5 machine restrict would possibly put you off ExpressVPN. Nonetheless, the corporate does provide devoted apps to put in in your router – encrypting each machine that you simply personal every time they hook up with your own home Wi-Fi community.
ExpressVPN pledges to by no means accumulate figuring out details about its clients, together with IP handle, on-line exercise, site visitors vacation spot, and even the size of every session. For individuals who desire a VPN for privateness advantages, that is immensely reassuring. ExpressVPN relies within the British Virgin Islands, which has no knowledge retention legal guidelines. So the corporate is not legally obliged to maintain tabs on the looking habits of its clients.
ExpressVPN accepts various fee strategies, together with Mastercard, VISA, American Specific, and Uncover. Paypal and Bitcoin are additionally choices to subscribe to the VPN. Sadly, in contrast to NordVPN, there is no assist for Google Pay or Apple Pay for a one-tap checkout in your smartphone or pill.
Nonetheless, when you do not wish to pay for an extended membership (you possibly can unlock larger reductions if you sign-up for a one-year membership, for instance) upfront, ExpressVPN has added assist for Klarna – so you possibly can break up the fee into smaller instalments.
NordVPN – Sensible VPN Service For Streaming With A Decrease Worth
NordVPN has a wonderful app that is the right entry level for these new to streaming with a VPN (Picture: NORD VPN • GETTY)
Should you’re not too assured about utilizing a VPN, NordVPN is a superb entry level. The corporate has one of the superbly and intuitively designed apps in the marketplace. Out there on each iOS and Android – in addition to a number of different gadgets, together with Amazon’s common Fireplace TV Stick vary, Wi-Fi routers, Chromebooks, and tablets, to call just some – the app makes it ludicrously simple for newcomers to get related. That, coupled with its cheaper month-to-month price than ExpressVPN, is the explanation that we named NordVPN as the most effective VPN supplier cash should buy proper now.
Why NordVPN?
What We Love
Quick Connections – Excellent For Streaming Video
Fantastically Designed Apps That Make It Simple For VPN Novices
Nice Worth
Can Robotically Monitor Darkish Internet For Your Leaked Passwords
Can Join Up To six Gadgets To The Similar Account
What We Do not Love
Not As Many Places For Your IP Tackle As Some VPN Providers
Nonetheless, ExpressVPN’s laser-guided give attention to making certain that every one of its servers are appropriate with Netflix streaming does give it a slight edge in the case of a VPN devoted to streaming. NordVPN continues to be nice in the case of switching to places across the globe.
Loading up the app, your frequently-used international locations will probably be listed on the prime – making it simple to leap again into your favorite sequence on US Netflix, for instance.
NordVPN would not provide connections in fairly as many international locations worldwide as ExpressVPN (60 versus 94), so those that wish to seem in additional unique places would possibly wish to look elsewhere. It additionally means you are not going to have the ability to watch content material from as many international locations as ExpressVPN, which is a little bit of a disgrace.
With a selection of greater than 5,000 servers out there globally, even when you stumble throughout a server that has been blocked in Netflix’s ongoing crackdown on VPNs, you need to simply be capable to discover a alternative with a fast faucet or two. It additionally means you need to be capable to discover a strong connection to a server that is not too congested – even at peak instances.
Like ExpressVPN, NordVPN had minimal impression on our obtain speeds throughout our testing, making it an amazing possibility for these seeking to leverage their VPN to stream, slightly than shopping for primarily to encrypt their knowledge on-line. NordVPN affords some unbelievable offers, particularly when you signal as much as its one-year or two-year plans – with costs plummeting as little as £2.59 a month.
NordVPN accepts all main bank card suppliers, together with Mastercard, VISA, AMEX, and Discovery. It additionally helps you to pay with PayPal, Amazon Pay, Apple Pay and Google Pay. These choices ought to allow you to breeze by the checkout course of. You may also pay for NordVPN with the preferred cryptocurrencies, like Bitcoin and Ethereum.
Non-public Web Entry (PIA) VPN – A Fairly Priced VPN With Nice Streaming Options
Non-public Web Entry has various options which can be nice for streamers (Picture: PIA • GETTY)
Non-public Web Entry (PIA) makes some daring claims about its streaming capabilities. It by no means locations any limits on the quantity of bandwidth out there to its 15 million subscribers, so that you should not see any slowdown when watching boxsets, sports activities or motion pictures – even at peak time. PIA has apps out there for a variety of gadgets, together with Good TVs, Amazon Fireplace TV, video games consoles, iOS and Android.
Why PIA VPN?
What We Love
- Devoted IP Tackle Characteristic Saves You From Countless CAPTCHAs
- One Subscription Can Be Used On 10 Completely different Gadgets
- Apps For All Main Platforms
What We Do not Love
- Based mostly In A Nation (USA) That is Signed Up To Surveillance Scheme ‘Fourteen Eyes’
There’s additionally software program to put in in your Wi-Fi router, which ensures that each machine related to your own home Wi-Fi community will probably be protected by end-to-end encryption. Should you’ve manually modified your IP handle to a different nation, your whole devices will seem overseas too. That is useful when you’re planning to stream with a tool that does not have a devoted app from Non-public Web Entry.
Should you’re planning to make use of a Digital Non-public Community every time you stream video on-line, PIA has an extremely helpful function that’ll prevent a headache. The power to set a devoted IP handle means you will nonetheless be capable to get pleasure from the advantages of a VPN – accessing boxsets from abroad, streaming companies unavailable in your nation – however will not be confronted with CAPTCHAs and different safety checks as your favorite websites assume you are logging in from quite a lot of places across the globe (a doable signal of fraud). To keep away from this, a devoted IP handle resolves this in the identical approach as logging in with out a VPN prevents these complications.
In relation to fee, there are a truckload of choices out there. Like many of the suppliers on this record, PIA accepts all main bank cards, together with Visa, Mastercard and AMEX. Paypal and Amazon Pay are additionally out there, which ought to make the checkout course of frictionless if you have already got an account with these suppliers. Nameless fee strategies, similar to cryptocurrencies are additionally accepted.
PIA accepts a greater diversity of cryptocurrencies than a number of the different suppliers on this record, together with Bitcoin, Ethereum, Bitpay, Litecoin and Bitcoin Money. Uniquely, PIA accepts third-party reward playing cards from Starbucks, Walmart, Finest Purchase, and extra as fee too.
ProtonVPN – A Nice Free VPN Service For Streaming
ProtonVPN has a free subscription tier, in addition to paid choices that unlock sooner streaming speeds (Picture: PROTONVPN • GETTY)
ProtonVPN affords a free subscription tier to its service, which makes it an amazing possibility for anybody who needs to dip their toe within the water. Higher but, the VPN would not impose any limits on the quantity of information that you should utilize when related …this can be a fairly widespread ploy utilized by many free VPN suppliers to push you onto one in every of their paid plans after a brief trial interval.
Why ProtonVPN?
What We Love
It Will not Value You A Penny!
Not like Most Free VPNs In The UK, There Are No Limits On Knowledge
By no means Retains Knowledge On Its Prospects
What We Do not Love
Knowledge From Paid Prospects Is Prioritised, So Your Streaming Speeds Will Be Slower Than Others On This Listing
Solely 3 Potential Places Round The World For These On The Free Subscription Tier
No 24/7 Chat Help Like Different VPN Providers On This Listing
However that is not the case with ProtonVPN Free, which makes it an amazing possibility when streaming video on-line, which makes use of much more knowledge than studying textual content, and even trying to find pictures. Other than on-line gaming and video calls, streaming high-resolution video is one in every of data-hungry actions you are able to do on-line.
As you’d count on from a free VPN service, there are some limits imposed on the service. First off, there are solely three places world wide out there: america, Japan and Netherlands. So, when you’re overseas and wish to spoof your location again within the UK to entry companies not out there outdoors of the nation, you are out of luck with ProtonVPN Free.
There are apps on each iOS and Android, Home windows and Mac, which is good. However the largest disadvantage with choosing ProtonVPN Free is that your on-line site visitors is de-prioritised in comparison with the supplier’s paying clients. So, at peak instances, you possibly can count on to see your obtain speeds dwindle as ProtonVPN ensures its paying clients get pleasure from a buffer-free expertise. That is comprehensible, in spite of everything, this would possibly not be costing you something, however when you’re particularly seeking to set up a VPN to allow streaming from world wide… it is not supreme.
Like the 2 suppliers above, ProtonVPN has strict knowledge safety insurance policies and will not log any details about your on-line exercise or visits. Good!
ProtonVPN affords various fee choices, together with all main bank cards and Bitcoin. There’s additionally assist for PayPal, which ought to make the checkout course of sooner and painless for many who have already got an account with a bank card saved of their pockets. Not like any of its rivals on this record, ProtonVPN additionally helps money funds.
Sadly, there is not an excessive amount of details about how this works. The Digital Non-public Networks says subscribers will already want an account, then electronic mail [email protected] to rearrange fee to your subscription plan with money. Fairly how that works is not clarified within the firm’s FAQ, and it is not one thing we have but tried. Nonetheless, when you’re determined to pay with notes to your VPN, then ProtonVPN ought to be your first port of name.
Is It Authorized To Use A VPN?
That relies upon the place you reside. In most international locations world wide, utilizing a Digital Non-public Community is totally nice. In actual fact, most corporations actively encourage workers to make use of a VPN to make sure that delicate inside knowledge is shielded from outdoors eyes, or to entry inside software program or techniques. It is probably the explanation you have been supplied with a piece laptop computer when working at residence, or the IT division has warned you towards signing-up to a Wi-Fi community within the nearest Starbucks or airport lounge with out switching on the corporate VPN first!
However there are some international locations the place VPNs are outright unlawful. China, Iran, Russia, Turkey, and the UAE all closely prohibit using VPNs. China is thought for its powerful restrictions on the web in its nation – banning the likes of Google and WhatsApp from working inside its borders. Since VPNs would enable residents to entry these companies on their residence Wi-Fi networks, it is sensible that China is not too blissful about this software program turning into widely-used.
Some nations, together with Belarus, Iraq, North Korea, Oman, and Turkmenistan, have handed particular legal guidelines that ban using VPNs totally. So, when you stay in any of the international locations listed above, you would possibly wish to keep away from signing-up for one in every of these companies.
Is It Authorized To Use A VPN To Stream Video?
Utilizing a VPN to change your IP handle to unlock completely different content material from world wide might be extremely tempting.. however is it authorized? The excellent news is – sure. There’s nothing unlawful about manually tweaking your IP handle to seem in a special location on the planet and utilizing the net as when you have been actually there. Nonetheless, it is value noting that whereas it is not towards the regulation, it’d contravene particular person streaming companies’ phrases and circumstances.
For instance, utilizing a VPN to entry the Netflix catalogue from completely different international locations is towards the corporate’s phrases of use. As such, the corporate reserves the best to terminate your contract when utilizing a VPN. Up to now, Netflix has purportedly by no means taken this step with any of its subscribers. In discussions with shareholders, Netflix CEO Reed Hastings has mentioned that VPN customers are an “inconsequential” drawback for the streaming service, suggesting that not lots of time is devoted to those customers.
Netflix has cracked down on servers that allow customers to hook up with the US catalogue of reveals and flicks, for instance. Nonetheless, it has seemingly by no means focused people.
In its phrases of service for iPlayer, BBC states that “accessing content material from outdoors the UK that you simply aren’t allowed to, or serving to others do the identical” is towards its guidelines. Should you break this rule (or any of the others listed on its assist pages) the Beeb “can droop or terminate your use of companies and your account”.
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What Is The Finest VPN For Netflix?
Should you’re seeking to stream content material from Netflix utilizing a VPN, look no additional than ExpressVPN. This critically-acclaimed Digital Non-public Community employs a group to continually refresh its out there servers to make sure that none are blocked from streaming on Netflix. In current months, the hugely-popular streaming service has began to dam some VPN servers from accessing its content material. As such, some VPNs battle to work with Netflix – with customers pressured to continually refresh their connection, manually trawl by a listing of servers, and extra. That is a giant headache if you wish to binge your favorite boxset after a protracted day at work.
That is the place ExpressVPN really excels. It won’t be the most affordable VPN in the marketplace, however for many who need quick streaming speeds, a flawless connection to Netflix each time, and apps for each machine (iPhone, iPad, Android, Mac, Home windows, Fireplace TV Stick) of their residence …ExpressVPN is an excellent selection. There’s additionally a 30-day money-back assure, so you possibly can take a look at out the streaming service protected within the data that you’ll get a refund if something goes awry. After all, it is value checking the phrases of service of any subscription service that you simply wish to use with a VPN, together with Netflix.
Which VPN Is Finest For Reside Streaming?
The qualities that make a specific Digital Non-public Community good for stay streaming are not any completely different to watching sequence or movies on-demand. You will want a service that does not negatively impression your obtain speeds an excessive amount of – releasing up loads of bandwidth, so that you need not fear about buffering earlier than you begin watching. And you may want a VPN with servers in a complete record of nations, with the intention to place your IP handle as shut as doable to the motion. All of this factors to ExpressVPN. This provider is thought for its speedy connections, a devoted group that works to make sure its servers are by no means blocked by streaming companies seeking to stamp out VPNs, and lengthy record of doable servers.
Is It Value Getting A VPN For Streaming?
VPNs can unlock a wealth of content material from throughout the globe. Identical to if you journey overseas, your present login for Netflix, Prime Video, and Disney+ will work as anticipated …however you will be greeted with a brand-new catalogue of boxsets and movies. For a similar month-to-month charge, you possibly can watch extra reveals and flicks than when you stick in the identical location. And if you wish to entry streaming companies that will in any other case be unavailable to you, then that is solely doable with a relocation to a different nation or a VPN subscription. After all, you will must examine the small-print within the phrases and circumstances of the streaming service you are pondering of utilizing along with your VPN to examine whether or not it is all above board. However when you’re struggling to search out new reveals and movies to look at on the catalogues out there to you along with your present subscriptions, a VPN could possibly be an effective way to carry new selections with out paying a penny extra.
Will A VPN Assist With Streaming?
Effectively, that relies upon. Should you’re seeking to stream boxsets, blockbusters and sports activities fixtures that are not out there to look at in your nation …then a Digital Non-public Community is your solely shot. Nonetheless, when you’re seeking to watch one thing on BBC iPlayer, Netflix, ITV Hub, or BritBox that is freely out there in your present location, you will not want a VPN put in. In actual fact, redirecting your internet site visitors by way of the encrypted tunnel supplied by a VPN does have an effect in your obtain speeds. The very best suppliers really helpful on this article will all have a minimal impression, however you probably have sluggish obtain speeds on your own home Wi-Fi community or 4G / 5G cell community …it is likely to be higher to keep away from a VPN altogether.
After all, that may imply that your knowledge is unprotected. If you don’t need your broadband provider to know precisely the way you’re spending your time, what you are watching, and extra, then it is likely to be value ready just a few seconds extra to your subsequent episode to buffer in trade for the privateness afforded by a Digital Non-public Community, VPN.
What Is The Finest VPN in 2022?
It may be powerful to search out the Finest VPN in the marketplace, so we have completed the laborious graft for you. We have examined a number of the largest VPN companies on the planet proper now to give you a definitive record of the Finest VPN round in the present day. You’ll be able to learn our Finest VPN Information to search out which supplier most closely fits your wants when you’re seeking to do some greater than stream video.
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