Netflix account sharing crackdown is a plan by the streaming giant to stop users from sharing their passwords with people who don’t live with them.
Netflix announced that it will begin rolling out the plan “more broadly” towards the end of the first quarter of 2023. This means that by April 2023, more users may see a message asking them to verify their account if they are watching on a device that is not registered to their household.
Netflix has said that it estimates that over 100 million households worldwide are using shared accounts and that cracking down on password sharing would be a “big opportunity” for revenue growth.
The plan comes after Netflix faced a tough year in 2022, with a loss of subscribers, the introduction of ads, and several controversies.
Netflix currently offers three subscription plans in the U.S., ranging from $9.99 to $19.99 per month, depending on the number of screens available at once.
However, once the password-sharing crackdown takes effect, all of the streaming devices logged into an account will have to be located in the same household.
Netflix has experimented with charging for password sharing in some countries, such as Costa Rica, Chile, and Peru, where it has given users the option to transfer their profile information to their own account or pay for extra members.
Netflix has not revealed how it will verify users’ locations or how it will enforce the new policy. However, some possible methods include using IP addresses, geolocation data, or phone numbers.
Netflix has also said that it will take a “thoughtful approach” and give customers who continue to share accounts “a gentle nudge” to pay extra or lose access.
How many devices can stream Netflix at the same time?
Your Netflix plan determines the number of devices capable of streaming simultaneously. Netflix outlines three U.S. plans:
- Basic, priced at $9.99 per month, permits streaming on 1 supported device, offers HD quality, and allows downloads on 1 device.
- The Standard plan costs $15.49 monthly and enables streaming on 2 devices, providing Full HD quality, with downloads available on 2 devices.
- Premium, at $19.99 each month, enables streaming on up to 4 devices in Ultra HD quality, along with downloads on 6 devices.
Furthermore, Netflix allows the creation of five individual profiles, ensuring personalized recommendations and tracking of viewing history for each user.
How to share your Netflix account without sharing your password?
There are a few methods for sharing your Netflix account without divulging your password. One option is to utilize a password manager like LastPass, Dashlane, or 1Password, which includes a password-sharing feature.
These tools enable you to share your login credentials with others while keeping the actual password concealed. However, both you and the recipient must have the same password manager installed and be subscribed to it.
Alternatively, you can employ a browser extension like ShareAccount or DoNotPay to share your account without revealing the password.
These extensions generate a link or code that can be sent to others, granting them access to your account without knowledge of the password. Nevertheless, both you and the intended recipient must have the same extension installed and use the same browser.
The impact of password or account sharing Crackdown
The impact of password or account sharing crackdown is a topic that has been discussed by various sources and experts. Some of the possible impacts are:
- Netflix may lose some subscribers who are unwilling or unable to pay for their own account or share it with others who live in the same household. This may affect Netflix’s revenue growth and market share, especially in regions where Netflix faces strong competition from other streaming services.
- Netflix may gain some subscribers who decide to sign up for their own account or pay extra for the “extra members” option, which allows them to share their account with people who don’t live with them. This may increase Netflix’s revenue and customer loyalty, as well as reduce the risk of password theft and fraud.
- Netflix may improve its user experience and content quality by cracking down on password sharing. This may reduce the bandwidth congestion and streaming errors caused by too many devices using the same account at the same time. It may also enable Netflix to invest more in original and exclusive content, as well as personalized recommendations and features, by saving on licensing fees and royalties.
- Netflix may face some backlash and criticism from users who are unhappy with the new policy or feel that it is unfair or intrusive. This may damage Netflix’s reputation and brand image, as well as trigger legal challenges or regulatory scrutiny in some countries. It may also encourage some users to switch to other streaming services or use illegal methods to access Netflix content.
Wrapping Up
Netflix has many good reasons to be supportive of its ongoing password or account-sharing crackdown.
In the first place, the service is doing its best to inform its customers about the negative consequences of sharing accessing their accounts or sharing passwords with others in a clear and decisive way.
Additionally, Netflix wants to increase its existing client base by dissuading the concept of sharing passwords that allow millions of users to access Netflix free of charge.
This is why Netflix is making its plans quite clear in the crackdown, stating that only users who are authorized are able to use its services in the coming years.
