Netflix to start charging users ‘in weeks’ for password sharing in global crackdown that could cost you
NETFLIX users in the US could soon be charged for password sharing as part of a global crackdown that will eventually affect all users.
The streaming giant will be phasing in “paid sharing” in the “coming weeks”, according to Deadline.
Netflix has already launched a paid-sharing option in four other countries.
These are Canada, New Zealand, Spain, and Portugal.
Netflix is said to have its sights now set on US customers in the second quarter of the financial year.
The price for the ability to share your Netflix password in the US has not yet been specified.
However, some more details about the plan have been revealed in a recent letter to shareholders.
The letter reads: “We’re pleased with the most recent launches of paid sharing, and while we could have launched broadly in Q1, we found opportunities to improve the experience for members.”
The change will mean you’ll no longer be able to share a Netflix password to a regular account and will have to invest in the sharing option if you want to continue to do that.
Canadians were told they’d be charged an extra CAD$7.99 a month for account sharing, while in Spain it’s 5.99 euros.
It’s been predicted that Brits and Americans can expect similar charges to the tune of £5 / $5.
Netflix has warned for a while that it will crack down on account sharing with people outside your household, after a long time of turning a blind eye.
The Stranger Things hitmaker accidentally revealed a few weeks ago that it will detect whether your devices are used at your main location – ie home – at least once every 30 days.
Otherwise, that device will be blocked.
The only way you’ll be able to get around it is by paying extra.
Netflix is expected to complete its new crackdown everywhere sometime in March or April.