Netflix has rolled out new restrictions on account and password sharing to more countries. The streaming giant previously announced plans to crack down on users sharing an account with people outside their household and has now begun to implement the changes around the world.
Netflix has said that an account should only be used by people who live together in a single household, and that those outside that household will need to have their own account. Devices using an account outside of the account holder’s household – such as a mobile device used to stream while travelling – will need to be verified or risk getting charged.
The company estimates more than 100m households are sharing accounts, and says the effect this has on its revenue impacts its ability to invest in new content. Netflix has been trialing new ways to restrict account sharing in South America, and has now started to roll out the changes to more countries – including parts of Europe.
READ MORE: Netflix fans slam account sharing crackdown and say it will ‘lose even more money’
From Thursday (February 9), users in Canada, New Zealand, Portugal and Spain will be asked to set up a “primary location” for their account and manage which devices have access to it. Those on Netflix’s Standard or Premium plans can now buy an extra member sub account for up to two people on their main account.
For an extra CAD$7.99 (£4.92) a month per person in Canada, NZD$7.99 (£4.17) in New Zealand, €3.99 (£3.54) in Portugal, and €5.99 (£5.32) in Spain, a sub account can be added that has its own profile, login, and password. Users will also be able to transfer a profile from an existing account to a new one if they are required to set up and pay for their own account.
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Netflix says users can still stream on their personal devices while travelling, or log into a new device such as a new TV at a hotel. In a blog post on Wednesday, it said: “We value our members and recognize that they have many entertainment choices.
“A Netflix account is intended for one household and members can choose from a range of plans with different features. As always, we’ll refine these new features based on member feedback so that we continue to improve Netflix in the years ahead.”
Netflix said the changes will be extended “more broadly over the coming months,” but has not confirmed when they will hit the UK or US. It comes as the company has suffered with dwindling subscriber numbers amid competition from rival platforms including Amazon’s Prime Video and Disney+.
In November, it rolled out a cheaper subscription package that plays adverts to 12 countries, including the UK and the US.
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