Netflix is reportedly trying to stop people from sharing their passwords with each other by adding a new feature, The Verge reports.
What’s going on?
Netflix is reportedly adding a new feature that stops those who are not authorized to use a Netflix account from accessing it.
- “This test is designed to help ensure that people using Netflix accounts are authorized to do so,” a Netflix spokesperson told The Verge.
Netflix could determine if someone is trying to use the account without being the main owner of the account, The Verge reports. The person logging in will have to verify whether they’re the owner through a text or email code — a similar practice among other log-in websites.
- Per The Verge: “If someone is unable to verify account ownership within a certain time frame, they won’t be able to stream any Netflix content. Instead, they’ll be asked to make their own account.”
- Per CNBC, Netflix will send a message to customers that will read: “If you don’t live with the owner of this account, you need your own account to keep watching.”
- GammaWire first reported on the new feature.
Bigger picture
Close to 33% of Netflix users share their passwords with one other person, according to research firm Magid.
Netflix’s base plan — which costs $8.99 per month — allows for one account. But the $13.99 plan allow users to stream on two screens at once, according to CNBC.
“Historically, Netflix hasn’t done much to stop password sharing, as strong growth in subscriber numbers and its stock price offset any concerns about lost revenue,” CNBC reports.