Netflix Begins Test to Crack Down on Password Sharing
Netflix has never made a big deal about password-sharing, but a new test suggests the company may be reconsidering.
Netflix is trying out a new policy with some customers, prompting certain people to sign up for a separate account if they aren’t watching with the subscriber.
The message reads: “If you don’t live with the owner of this account, you need your own account to keep watching.” The Streamable first reported about the trial.
According to a spokesman, Netflix tries “hundreds” of tests a year with select customers.
“This test is designed to help ensure that people using Netflix accounts are authorized to do so,” Netflix said in a statement.
The trial may not lead to a larger crackdown around password sharing. The test could be applied for account security as well as sharing passwords.
About 33% of all Netflix users share their password with at least one other person, according to research firm Magid. Netflix’s basic plan costs $8.99 per month. The company’s standard plan is $13.99 per month, which allows users to watch Netflix on two screens at the same time. 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.