A lot of us share accounts when it comes to streaming services. Sometimes it’s with close friends, other times its with family. However, it seems like Netflix isn’t very fond of sharing even though their platform allows up to five profiles in a single user. The company has long been trying to limit account sharing as more and more people seem to be doing it.
In its latest efforts, Netflix seems to be testing out a feature that may make sharing an account more of a hassle. Users who have been sharing accounts are reporting that they are seeing prompts for them to verify the account or sign up for a new account.
In their new effort, it seems like Netflix is trying hard to weed out sharing. In fact, while the practice isn’t illegal, it technically goes against their terms of service – if you don’t reside in the same household. However, the company has acknowledged that the practice is inevitable and a valuable marketing channel. That said, a spokesperson has come on the record to clarify stating, “This test is designed to help ensure that people using Netflix accounts are authorized to do so,”.
It comes as no surprise that Netflix is testing ways to make life a little bit harder for people who are sharing accounts as account piracy has also become increasingly common among Netflix users. If you’ve had your Netflix account compromise, you will be painfully aware that aside from sharing, incidences, where accounts are being accessed by total strangers, are not unheard of.
While it seems like the company is clamping down on “unauthorised” access, the move comes at an interesting time. Disney+ recently reported that their subscriber numbers have surpassed their initial expectations. The new streaming service reported that they are well over 100 million subscribers – something Netflix co-CEO, Reed Hastings, claimed to be impossible in an interview with CNBC.
