Netflix begins cracking down on account sharing

24 May, 2023

Stock image of a Man with Netflix logo on screen.

Netflix has begun its account-sharing crackdown by sending out emails to UK customers who have been sharing accounts with other households.

The streaming giant said a Netflix account was “for use by one household” and those wanting to share theirs must pay £4.99 to do so.

In a statement posted by Netflix, they explained: “Starting today, we will be sending this email to members who are sharing Netflix outside their household in the United Kingdom.

“A Netflix account is for use by one household. Everyone living in that household can use Netflix wherever they are – at home, on the go, on holiday – and take advantage of new features like Transfer Profile and Manage Access and Devices.We recognise that our members have many entertainment choices.”

“It’s why we continue to invest heavily in a wide variety of new films and TV programmes – so whatever your taste, mood or language and whoever you’re watching with, there’s always something satisfying to watch on Netflix.”

Since the announcement of the account sharing fee, Netflix has begun receiving backlash. Unhappy customers took to social media to express their annoyance with the new rules that have been implemented. “Netflix is over” commented one person on twitter while another said “I think I speak for everyone when I say we WILL be cancelling.”

The news does not come as a shock. Back in February, Netflix announced details of its password crackdown, making it impossible to use one account in several locations.

The streaming giant had warned an update preventing users from sharing passwords across several devices would arrive last year. The mechanics of the new system were shared on their website but due to the uproar on social media over the proposed plans, the streaming giant admitted some of these were shared in error.

They stated: “For a brief time yesterday, a help [centre] article containing information that is only applicable to Chile, Costa Rica, and Peru went live in other countries,” Netflix said of the page. “We have since updated it.”

The post Netflix begins cracking down on account sharing appeared first on NME.