If you've been banging out Schitt's Creek on your mother or brother or uncle's Netflix account, you might want to listen to this. The streaming giant could be about to clamp down on password sharing.
According to reports, the company are testing a new prompting method to prevent non-paying relatives or friends from using one account. The user will be prompted with a message saying, "If you don't live with the owner of this account, you need your own account to keep watching."
They will the be directed to verify their account, either with a text or an email account. If unsuccessful, Netflix will over a 30-day free trial for those that aren't paying for their own service.
Netflix is testing an account verification feature to crack down on password sharing
Users who hit the new login screen will need to enter a code sent to the account owner
(via GammaWire | https://t.co/8K0AQJ1neT) pic.twitter.com/UBj88PjD5R— Fandom (@getFANDOM) March 12, 2021
A spokesperson for Netflix has said the prompts are to "help ensure that people using Netflix accounts are authorized to do so." According to the companies terms and conditions, sharing a password outside of your household is already forbidden.
To combat the issue currently, Netflix have limited the number of devices you can stream on at the same time. This is determined by whatever subscription tier you are signed up for. There is no limit to how many devices an account can be logged into.
Password sharing played a huge role in establishing Netflix as a global force in content streaming.
Co-CEO of Netflix, Reed Hastings, came out in 2016 accepting the fact that passwords are shared, saying it's "something you have to learn to live with." According to reports in 2019, Netflix have collaborated with other streaming services like HBO to try to limit password sharing amongst all platforms.
Apparently Netflix is clamping down on password sharing soon. What’s gonna happen when they find out there’s just 7 actual paid Netflix accounts?
— Scott Hanselman 🇺🇦 (@shanselman) March 12, 2021
So what does this mean for the average Netflix user? Can you finish the last season of The US Office in peace on your brother's account? If you live in the same household, it's okay to use the same account, according to Netflix.
The new prompts will only be rolled out on Netflix users on Smart TVs and not phones, laptops or tablets. Get the HDMI cable out of the attic.
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