Netflix Password Sharing Plan Added in Four Global Markets

Netflix is expanding its paid sharing program to Canada, New Zealand, Portugal and Spain. The program, which was tested last year in several Latin American markets, is the company’s attempt to crackdown on the unauthorized password sharing that deprives the company of what one analyst estimates is billions of dollars per year. Where the program is live, subscribers can pay to add non-household members to their account at the rate of an extra CAD$7.99 a month per person in Canada, NZD$7.99 in New Zealand, Euro 3.99 in Portugal, and Euro 5.99 in Spain.

Last year, subscribers were reportedly confused about the new rules. “Across social media, Netflix subscribers expressed their anger over the changes and how they would soon be forced to pay for the extra people mooching off their accounts,” writes TechCrunch, noting Netflix is now “quelling a subscriber backlash over the anticipated changes.”

In a blog post Netflix explains that members will be required to set a primary account location and authenticate devices that are authorized to use the account remotely. Such usage will be designated from a new Manage Access and Devices page that will let users transfer profiles — along with personal viewing information — to separate paid accounts or add third-party users to their main account.

Netflix says the new system will accommodate those who want to watch while traveling, letting them “easily watch Netflix” on personal mobile devices or by logging into a new TV, like at a hotel or holiday rental. But TechCrunch writes that it could be problematic even for primary subscribers who “quickly grabbed an often-unused tablet to watch on the plane but forgot to authenticate with Netflix” before taking off for a trip.

Netflix says temporary codes that will remain valid for seven consecutive days will be made available for traveling members. Subscribers will need to “sign into the home Wi-Fi of the primary location at least once every 31 days to ensure their device is not blocked,” writes Yahoo Finance, noting “Netflix said it would use information such as IP addresses, device IDs, and account activity to determine whether a device signed into the account is connected to the primary location.”

A report by the Jefferies investment firm revealed that “about 62 percent of the 380 Netflix password borrowers surveyed said they would stop using Netflix once the crackdown takes effect,” with only 10 percent of password borrowers polled saying they would create their own account for $9.99 a month, according to Yahoo Finance, which says the survey suggests “competitors could greatly benefit from Netflix’s crackdown.”

No Comments Yet

You can be the first to comment!

Leave a comment

You must be logged in to post a comment.