Netflix may be looking to clamp down on those who borrow login information to access the streaming service.
Several users have detailed seeing a screen urging them to verify their account or to sign up for their own account with a 30-day free trial when attempting to log in, according to The Streamable. The publication confirmed with a Netflix spokesperson that the brand is performing tests to ensure that only people who are authorized to use accounts are the ones logging in.
A Netflix spokesperson also told CNBC that the tests are common and that the service conducts hundreds of them each year. This once again leaves users in the dark about whether they should worry about losing their laissez-faire access to the streaming service.
Only a select number of accounts appear to have received the test, but it is not yet know whether Netflix will make this a permanent stipulation of its service. There is notably also a “Verify later” option on the screen, which allows users to bypass any actions and continue to a profile for streaming.
Netflix is famous for having no innate issue with multiple users sharing accounts, despite it going again the service’s terms of use. Technically, only users within a household are allowed to share a single Netflix login. However, many subscribers also share their login information with people outside of their immediate living space, including friends, extended family, and non-cohabitating partners.
In 2016, CEO Reed Hastings said there was so much legitimate password sharing going on that those who bent the rules were not an issue. In 2020, chief product officer Greg Peters said that Netflix does monitor password sharing but doesn’t have any immediate plans to change the current status quo. Still the brand is surely also aware of its increasing competition from other streaming services, including Disney Plus, Apple TV Plus, HBO Max, and Peacock.
Netflix has three subscription options for its service. The basic plan costs $8.99 per month and allows a single screen to stream at any given time. The standard plan costs $13.99 per month, and allows two screens to stream at the same time. The premium plan costs $17.99 per month, and allows up to four screens to stream at the same time. Having the varied options have not stopped subscribers from sharing passwords.
Research and surveys have concluded that between 33% and 54% of Netflix users share their login information.
