In recent news, Netflix has enacted a new policy that could ban users from sharing passwords for login. The streaming giant intends to prevent people from accessing accounts for free by requiring users to sign in, or “re-authenticate,” their accounts once every month.
Under the policy, a user who has an account but is not the one paying for it will be asked to re-enter their login credentials each time they use the service. And if the user doesn’t do so within a month, they will be blocked from using Netflix.
The policy has drawn criticism from users who shared passwords with friends, family and other in order to split the costs of the subscription. Netflix is well aware of the phenomenon of sharing passwords and have estimated that only a “very small fraction” of subscribers are actually doing this. However they believe that those who are taking advantage of the system should be disqualified from it.
Netflix has already instituted the verification system for new accounts, so those who sign in for the first time must verify that their account was created with the proper authentication. This step is meant to reduce misuse of other people’s accounts.
The new policy also has implications for businesses such as hotels or airlines who may provide access to Netflix for free as a a perk for their customers. In the past, it would be enough to share a single account among all customers, but with the new policy, each customer would need to authenticate their own account which could become a hassle.
The new policy could have a significant impact on those who are currently taking advantage of shared passwords. However, it will likely discourage people from misusing accounts and will give legitimate users a better experience. It could also benefit Netflix in the long run, by reducing the possibility of piracy, and increasing the likelihood of people paying for their own Netflix accounts. If people want to share an account with a significant other or close family member, Netflix does offer a feature to link two profiles.
In the end, it’s up to users to decide how to use the service and whether their accounts will be authenticated every month. But Netflix’s policy is likely to lead to a more secure streaming experience and greater compliance with account sharing.
