Don’t shoot the messenger: Netflix seem to be cracking down on password sharing, that sacred bonding ritual for all millennials.
As per ABC, users have started reporting seeing a pop-up box when they try to sign in using someone else’s account.
The message reads: “If you don’t live with the owner of this account, you need your own account to keep watching.”
After seeing this, users are then asked to either sign up for a free trial or have a verification code sent to the email or phone number associated with the account.
It’s a devastating development. Password sharing is how share houses bond. It’s how you see what terrible TV shows your mates are watching. It’s the most significant thing that happens in a modern relationship before getting actually engaged. How can Netflix take this away from us?
Luckily for Australians though, Netflix is just testing out the feature for now so you all have a bit of time to keep using your mate’s account.
“This test is designed to help ensure that people using Netflix accounts are authorised to do so,” a spokesperson for Netflix said.
With the ever-increasing competition from competitors such as Stan, Disney+, Amazon Prime, and Kayo, it’s understandable from a business point of view. It’s more difficult than ever to stand out from the crowded marketplace and attract new customers.
In 2019, WarnerMedia CEO John Stankey discussed password sharing and its implications. “I don’t think we’re going to get to a punitive environment [with] lawsuits being filed against folks,” Stankey said.
“But I do believe the technology’s starting to get better to start paying attention to extensive abuse. When we see 14 locations logged into HBO on a Sunday night with 16 different streams going, we’re aware of those things. As growth taps out, I think the industry will come up with a method that’s a bit more rigorous.”
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