Netflix's new test wants to curb account sharing

Photo by Mollie Sivaram/Unsplash

The last significant measure Netflix employed to prevent account sharing is limiting the number of devices that can stream simultaneously. Now, the company is running a new test to stop password sharing beyond your household. 

It's being reported that Netflix is conducting the test on an unspecified number of TV devices, asking them to verify their accounts by entering a code sent via text or email. There's a third Verify Later option, which isn't known how long it will let you put off before you need to verify to continue watching.

Netflix's aim with the test is to make sure users are abiding by its terms of use and to keep out account theft. A Netflix spokesperson told The Streamable, "This test is designed to help ensure that people using Netflix accounts are authorized to do so."

According to Netflix's terms of use, users can only share their accounts with those in their household. "The Netflix service and any content viewed through our service are for your personal and non-commercial use only and may not be shared with individuals beyond your household," the terms read.

But it's unclear if this means all users have to be in the same IP address to be considered the same household.

The test is different from country to country, so you may or may not encounter it. 

O no. Netflix doing the purge?!? pic.twitter.com/XXlHtfgfsy

— chante most (@DOP3Sweet) March 9, 2021

Source: Mashable