The U.S. is more than just the US (according to the ISO)
In the video streaming industry, a common practice called "geofencing" is utilized to restrict content access to specific locations. This is achieved through software like MaxMind, which verifies users' locations to ensure they fall within designated areas. When launching a streaming service in the United States, a situation arose where users from Puerto Rico began contacting the company, mistaking the island territory for a separate country.
The issue stemmed from the software relying on International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 3166 country codes, which categorize Puerto Rico as a distinct entity. ISO 3166 is a list of subdivisions, not merely country codes, meaning it includes territories and parts of countries. Consequently, the geofencing software incorrectly classified Puerto Rico as a separate nation.
After learning of this discrepancy, the team updated their country code list to include Puerto Rico, but ignored the fact that the U.S. has multiple territories. In total, the United States owns nine islands and atolls, including two in the Caribbean and eight in the Pacific Ocean. These territories, except for Wake Island and Midway Atoll, are primarily nature preserves, with Palmyra Atoll being an exception for scientific research.
As a result, geofencing software should cover not only the U.S. but also its territories, as represented by the ISO 3166 3611 system.
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