If you’re like most of the guys and gals out there, surely you’ve opted for the good old password-sharing formula when it comes to watching your favorite movies or TV shows on Netflix. And let’s be honest, why wouldn’t you? Instead of paying for a subscription on the famous streaming platform, there’s almost always a good friend for anyone who’s willing to give you their password.
But Netflix won’t tolerate anymore that kind of custom, unfortunately, or not. The devs behind the famous service are eager to spoil the fun for those unwilling to pay for a subscription but who are eager to grab one from a friend, at least temporarily. Netflix won’t let you off the hook anymore if you’re one of those people who are into the password-sharing custom.
Adding a new member outside your household will cost you $8
As XDA has discovered, Netflix is tightening its grip on password sharing by introducing a new rule in the US. Users will now have to pay an additional $8 per month if they want to add an extra member outside their household. In other words, if someone else uses your Netflix password and he’s not a member of your own household, you’ll have to pay an extra fee to the owners of the platform. Well, it’s still better than a fine, right?
The new change follows testing in other regions and aims to clarify that Netflix accounts shouldn’t be shared with members outside your own household. Subscribers who won’t comply with this policy will receive emails from Netflix, giving them the option to transfer profiles or pay the fee.
Different subscription plans have varying options for adding extra members, with the Basic and Standard with Ads plans not allowing this option. To remain authorized for Netflix outside the household, devices will have to connect to the home Wi-Fi network every 31 days. Non-compliant devices will require an extra member or a full-price account. The duration for compliance with the new policy isn’t established so far, but enforcement may begin in several weeks.
In a blog post, Netflix explained:
“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 recognize that our members have many entertainment choices. It’s why we continue to invest heavily in a wide variety of new films and TV shows — so whatever your taste, mood or language and whoever you’re watching with, there’s always something satisfying to watch on Netflix.”
Surely there’s nothing to blame in the attitude of those in charge of maintaining the Netflix service when it comes to the password-sharing custom. No business can possibly bring profit if the customers find a way to bypass payment while still using the content that’s being offerred, even if it’s a legal way.
