Netflix Cracks Down on Account Sharing, Requires US Customers to Abide by Household Restrictions or Pay Additional Fees
In a recent email sent to its US customers, Netflix has implemented strict measures to curb account sharing, urging users to limit their streaming activities to individuals within their households. The popular streaming service is now notifying customers whose accounts are being accessed from multiple locations, requesting compliance with the new policy. Users are presented with two options: transfer the additional person's profile to a separate membership, or pay an extra monthly fee of $7.99 to share their Netflix account with individuals who do not reside with them.
The email, which was sent out to affected members, stated, "Your Netflix account is for you and the people you live with—your household." This move by Netflix aims to ensure that subscribers adhere to the intended usage policy and prevent unauthorized account sharing.
Netflix subscribers who wish to continue sharing their accounts with those outside their households are required to pay the additional monthly fee of $7.99. However, the company strongly advises users to establish a "Netflix Household" at their primary location. While the primary household members can still enjoy the streaming service in different locations, Netflix emphasizes that the account should primarily be used within one household. The company also highlights new features like "Transfer Profile" and "Manage Access and Devices," which allow users to conveniently control their account usage.
To identify customers who are sharing accounts, Netflix employs various indicators such as IP addresses, device IDs, and account activity. By analyzing these factors, the company can determine whether a device accessing an account belongs to the designated household. It is worth noting that Netflix explicitly states that it does not collect GPS data from user devices to address concerns about location privacy.
Netflix's recent initiative to enforce stricter account sharing policies follows the introduction of additional fees for extra members in Chile, Costa Rica, and Peru over a year ago. Moreover, in response to declining revenue and a loss in subscribers, Netflix unveiled plans for an ad-supported tier in April 2022. The $6.99 ad-supported plan was subsequently launched in the United States in November 2022.
It is important to note that the option to add extra members to a Netflix account is exclusive to the $15.49 Standard plan and the $19.99 Premium plan. Users subscribed to the $6.99 ad-supported plan or the $9.99 Basic plan are unable to include additional members under their subscription.
By implementing these measures, Netflix aims to reinforce its commitment to providing a fair and secure streaming experience for its customers, while also protecting its content and maintaining a sustainable business model.a
