Netflix, the popular OTT streaming service, has taken a firm stance against password sharing outside of households in the United States and more than 100 other countries. The company has initiated a crackdown by sending emails to customers across various regions, including the United States, Britain, France, Germany, Australia, Singapore, Mexico, and Brazil, informing them that sharing accounts for free is no longer permitted.
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In a bid to combat market saturation and explore new revenue streams, Netflix has been actively seeking ways to address the issue of password sharing. The company estimates that over 100 million households worldwide have engaged in sharing their login credentials with friends and family outside of their own homes.
Account Sharing Limited to One Household
According to the email sent by Netflix, accounts should only be used within a single household. However, paying customers now have the option to add an extra member to their account for an additional monthly fee. In the United States, this fee amounts to USD 8 per month. Additionally, members have the ability to transfer profiles, enabling users to retain their viewing history and personalized recommendations.
Emails Sent to Customers in Multiple Countries
The recent email notifications highlight Netflix's commitment to providing a wide variety of entertainment choices for its members. The streaming giant continues to invest heavily in new films and TV shows, catering to diverse tastes, moods, and languages. Despite the new restrictions, Netflix ensures that account sharing within the same household and usage across multiple devices during travel will remain unaffected.
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The implementation of stricter policies regarding password sharing reflects Netflix's efforts to both increase revenue and promote fair usage of its services. As of the end of March, the company boasted 232.5 million paying customers globally. By addressing the issue of password sharing, Netflix aims to strike a balance between sustaining profitability and maintaining a positive user experience.