Netflix unveils first details of new anti-password sharing measures

The beginning of the end for anyone still using someone else's account.

Last year we reported that Netflix were trialling a new costing system in the hopes of cracking down on password sharing. The test began in three specific countries - Chile, Costa Rica and Peru - with the aim of spreading the system worldwide. Nearly a fully year on and this system still hasn't been instigated here, but this week Netflix has revealed the first details on their impending crackdown plan on password sharing. As reported by The Streamable, in certain territories the Netflix Help Centre now has a page outlining how your account should be shared, and how it shouldn’t. Under the question heading Who Can Use a Netflix Account Now?, the FAQ answers: "Netflix accounts are still shareable, but only within one household. To ensure that your devices are associated with your primary location, Netflix is now asking users to connect to the Wi-Fi at your primary location, open the Netflix app or website, and watch something at least once every 31 days." When asked Can You Still Use Netflix While Traveling?, they answer as follows: "Signing into Netflix outside of your home may lead to the device in use being blocked from Netflix. This could prevent you from signing into new devices while traveling, but Netflix has devised a workaround. Traveling users who want to use Netflix on a hotel smart TV, company laptop, etc. can request a temporary code from the service when signing in. This will give them access to their account for seven consecutive days." And when asked Can You Still Share Netflix With Someone Who Doesn’t Live With You?, the answer is: "No, accounts are only meant to be used within one household. Netflix will prompt users who try to sign into your account elsewhere to sign up for their own account instead and block their access until they do. Netflix will not begin automatically charging account holders whose information is used outside of their homes." For the time being, these FAQs don't appear on the Netflix Help Centre for customers in Ireland and the UK, but we will update once these restrictions begin being rolled out here.