From USA Today:
“Netflix is
testing a new feature to crack down on shared passwords”
The days of
using someone else's Netflix password may be numbered. The streaming giant is
testing a new feature with select customers to crack down on password sharing.
The trial testing intends to verify users' accounts to stop the spread of a
password among people, including strangers, and prevent fraud. "This test is designed to help ensure
that people using Netflix accounts are authorized to do so," a Netflix
spokesperson said in a statement Thursday. The company's terms of use also say
accounts that "may not be shared with individuals beyond your household."
Netflix's
testing comes as the company faces competition from Disney+, HBO Max and Hulu
as streaming and binge-watching have exploded during the pandemic. Netflix has
arguably benefited the most as the streamer, which added about 37 million new customers
last year surpassing 200 million subscribers. The test has been rolled out to a select
number of customers using Netflix's TV app. For example, when a Netflix user
chooses their profile on a shared account, a question pops up asking them to
verify their account by confirming via either a text or email sent to them. If a user can't confirm they are the
authorized user of the account, they will get a prompt to set up a new account
which comes with a 30-day free trial. About
a third of Netflix users have shared their passwords with others, according to
research firm Magid. Netflix's basic plan in the U.S. is about $8.99 as in
October, the streamer's basic plan, which allows viewers to watch on two
separate devices simultaneously, increased by $1 to $13.99, while its premium
plan, which viewers can watch on four devices rose to $17.99 from $15.99.
^ I haven’t shared
my Netflix password with anyone, but I don’t see what the big deal is if
someone does. ^
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