Netflix has recently announced its intention to crack down on password sharing, sparking concerns and debates among its users.
The anti-password sharing measures have already been rolled out in four countries: Canada, New Zealand, Portugal, and Spain, and the streaming giant has already confirmed that these measures will be rolled out globally by Q2.
Here is everything we know so far, including the lowdown on what the measures entail.
What do Netflix’s new password-sharing measures entail?
According to Netflix, a single membership is meant to be used for people who live together in one household and calls the main household for the account a ‘primary location’.
If a user is found to be streaming outside of a primary location – which is detected through a combination of IP addresses, device IDs and account activity – then Netflix will prompt them either to sign up for a brand-new account or ask the account holder to add them as an extra member.
This means that if you use a Netflix account that belongs to a family member or friend to watch the likes of The Night Agent, you will likely face these rules when they roll out in your country.
So what if you travel a lot?
Netflix claims that you should still be able to stream content whilst you’re travelling by using a temporary password. It doesn’t specify the length at the time of writing, but previous information on the help pages stated that the password allowed users to stream for a maximum of seven days.
Netflix had also previously stated that users who weren’t based in the primary household would be required to sign in on the account holder’s household Wi-Fi network and watch something at least every month if they wanted to continue to stream.
This information has since been deleted from some parts of the help pages, but it is still available on the page about streaming from a second home.
How much do Netflix Extra Members cost, and what limitations are there?
Extra members have access to the Netflix library, but can only have one profile on one device, with no simultaneous streams available. They can still download films and episodes, but cannot set up a Kids profile. They must also reside in the same country as the account holder.
Only members on Standard or Premium plans can add extra members, so people on the Basic or Basic with Ads plans will have to upgrade if they want other accounts.
Extra members will have to top-up these amounts every month:
- Canada – $7.99 CAD
- New Zealand – $5.04 NZD
- Portugal – €3.99
- Spain – €5.99
- Costa Rica – $2.99
- Chile – 2,380 CLP
- Peru – 7.9 PEN
Netflix hasn’t confirmed any costs for other countries, but the list above translates to a range between $3/£2 and $6/£5.
When will Netflix roll out password sharing rules globally?
Back in January, the co-CEOs of Netflix confirmed that password sharing measures would roll out globally before the end of Q1 this year. However, the company has since delayed the time frame.
In its latest earnings report, Netflix now claims that international rollout will take place in Q2, so before 30 June 2023.
All information concerning the new changes will be communicated to members clearly via email.
Backlash expected
Now, as it faces competition for streaming viewers from Disney+, Hulu, Peacock and Paramount+, Netflix is looking to make more money from its existing subscribers.
The company expects some backlash and cancellations from users once it requires sharers to pay up.
That’s what has happened every time Netflix has rolled out “paid sharing” in a country, the company said, citing a “cancel reaction” to the program in Canada, New Zealand, Spain and Portugal, when Netflix first started requiring password-sharers to pay more.
Over time, however, it believes this strategy will grow its membership.
