Netflix To Put An End To Password Sharing With Controversial New Policies

Netflix has begun its dreaded global crackdown on password sharing outside of an account owner’s primary location.

The streaming service revealed how it aims to tackle account sharing in an updated FAQ. 

Netflix accounts are still shareable, but only within a single household with the company now asking users to connect to the corresponding Wi-Fi network once every 31 days to watch something.

For UK subscribers devices may soon require verification if they are not associated with the Netflix household or if they attempt to access an account outside the subscriber’s primary location for an extended period of time.

“To ensure uninterrupted access to Netflix, connect to the Wi-Fi at your primary location, open the Netflix app or website, and watch something at least once every 31 days. This creates a trusted device so you can watch Netflix, even when you’re away from your primary location,” the company wrote in an updated Help Centre document.

Travelling subscribers will still be able to watch Netflix simply by logging into their accounts. However, Netflix does say “your device may be blocked from watching Netflix,” if you’re away for an “extended period of time” – presumably, more than 31 days.

It’s suggested that subscribers will be able to request a temporary code from the service when signing in, granting them access for seven consecutive days.

In their recent earnings review last month, Netflix said: “Later in Q1, we expect to start rolling out paid sharing more broadly. Today’s widespread account sharing (100M+ households) undermines our long term ability to invest in and improve Netflix, as well as build our business. 

”While our terms of use limit use of Netflix to a household, we recognise this is a change for members who share their account more broadly. So we’ve worked hard to build additional new features that improve the Netflix experience, including the ability for members to review which devices are using their account and to transfer a profile to a new account,”

“As we roll out paid sharing, members in many countries will also have the option to pay extra if they want to share Netflix with people they don’t live with. As is the case today, all members will be able to watch while traveling, whether on a TV or mobile device.”

All of the proposed changes are expected to rollout by the end of March.