Many people share their Netflix password with loved ones so they can use the streaming service without their own subscription. Netflix even jokingly tweeted back in 2017 that "Love is sharing a password".
But it turns out you could be breaking the law by giving out your account details. That's because sharing passwords may amount to "secondary copyright infringement", according to the Intellectual Property Office (IPO).
The IPO published guidance this week which states: "Pasting internet images into your social media without permission, or accessing films, tv series or live sports events through Kodi boxes, hacked Fire Sticks or apps without paying a subscription is an infringement of copyright and you may be committing a crime."
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The guidance had initially made a reference to password sharing, but this was quickly removed, reported the Metro. However, the IPO confirmed the guidance remained in place and the law had not changed.
A spokesperson said: "There are a range of provisions in criminal and civil law which may be applicable in the case of password sharing where the intent is to allow a user to access copyright protected works without payment. These provisions may include breach of contractual terms, fraud or secondary copyright infringement depending on the circumstances."
Netflix's terms of use state that service and any content accessed through it "are for your personal and non-commercial use only and may not be shared with individuals beyond your household". IPO clarified that it would be up to Netflix and other streaming service providers to take any action through the courts.
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