Netflix has introduced its new anti-password sharing method to stop users sharing accounts
Bad news for all the siblings, mates and exes so used to using other peoples' accounts, Netflix has started to roll out its new anti-password method that seeks to stop the sharing of passwords with people outside the subscriber’s household.
The streaming platform's decision to introduce the update has already garnered some strong reactions.
After the bliss of everyone getting away with sharing Netflix passwords since it first entered our lives in 2007 - the tech giant has made some big changes.
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In a report to its shareholders last week, Netflix said: "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."
The report continued: "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 travelling, whether on a TV or mobile device."
The new method in question revolves around a regular resigning into your Netflix account.
In short, users will have to log in on their device from their home Wi-Fi network once every 31 days.
If users fail to do so, their Netflix account can be blocked.
On Netflix's official website, they outline exactly why they've made the move toward the anti-password sharing method.
Stating the rules regarding household streaming, it reads: "We’ve always made it easy for people who live together to share their Netflix account, with features like separate profiles and multiple streams in our Standard and Premium plans.
"While these have been hugely popular, they have also created some confusion about when and how Netflix can be shared.
"As a result, accounts are being shared between households."
The website outlines that is it this sharing between households that has been a hinderance to the company.
Talking about the ability to invest, Netflix said the cross-household account sharing 'impacts our ability to invest in great new TV and films for our members'.
The streaming platform explains they want to enable members who share accounts outside of their household to do so 'easily and securely, while also paying a bit more'.
The news follows Netflix suffering a huge subscriber loss, namely 200,000 globally during the first quarter of 2022, alongside the introduction to advertising to the service in return for a cheaper subscription.
The news has received some pretty negative responses.
One Twitter user refused to get on board with the method: "I'm not doing that."
"Common Netflix L," a second wrote.
A third continued: "Netflix is begging to lose subscribers."
"Finally have a reason to cancel Netflix," a final Twitter user added.
Topics: Netflix, News, TV and Film, Technology
Rhiannon Ingle