Sharing streaming sites’ passwords is like being in Fight Club. Some people know it exists, but we just don’t talk about it. Unfortunately, Netflix is painfully aware of all the password sharing happening amongst its users, and is ready to clamp down on ‘illegal’ password sharing situations with a new feature.
It makes sense to try and force adjacent platform users to shell out and pay for their own accounts. It means more money in Netflix’s pockets, and increased security. According to reports, the feature the company has in testing will detect when someone other than the owner of an account is attempting to log in, and they’ll have to verify that they’re, in fact, the owner. Straight to the naughty corner if you aren’t, we guess?
Join the Netflix side, we have originals
“Password sharing is something you have to learn to live with,” Netflix co-CEO Reed Hastings said in 2016. “There’s so much legitimate password sharing, like you sharing with your spouse, with your kids, so there’s no bright line, and we’re doing fine as is.”.Of course, password sharing is likely one of the most challenging behaviours to track or police. You can’t really enforce it, especially if the account owner will guide those being tested through the verification process anyway.
Read More: How to drop DStv and move to Netflix (or Showmax)
The verification will reportedly include receiving a code via email or SMS. If a person cannot verify using the 2FA code, they’ll be barred from accessing the service at all. They’ll be forced to create their own account and lose access to all their Peaky Blinders progress… That’s what you get, probably?
If the owner decided to send the verification codes as ‘pirate’ users sign in, the leeches will still have access to Netflix, but the idea is that this will weed out some of the lazier account owner/leech combos and force some people to create their own accounts. If you fall into this category, why not go ahead and make your own account right now? It’s totally worth it. Promise.