The recent news that Netflix will be cracking down on password sharing has come as both a relief and a shock to many of its users.
On one hand, it should mean that no more exes or friends you have fallen out with will be able to use your account if you shared your login details with them.
However, on the other hand, it's not so good for your current partner and/or family and friends you may share your account with.
Speaking on its decision, a Netflix spokesperson told the website Insider that the upcoming test was 'designed to help ensure that people using Netflix accounts are authorized to do so.'
The streaming service giant also said that it has started testing a new prompt when customers attempt to use a Netflix account that belongs to someone outside their household.
It reads: 'If you don't live with the owner of this account, you need your own account to keep watching.'
Following this, users will then be directed to either verify the account with a text or email code or start their own free 30-day trial.
At present, the feature is being tested only on TV versions of the app.
Many online had some strong opinions about the change:
wtf is wrong with them not everyone can afford to pay for this stuff whats wrong with friends sharing
— Cyberpunk Gamer (@GamerCyberpunk) March 12, 2021
Personally, I find their pricing scheme weird. Drop that outdated SD-option. Start all HD at 8,99 and add e.g $3 for each additional option such as an additional access or UHD. Who’s gonna pay $18 if they can’t share the account anymore?
— Nick (@Intairnet) March 12, 2021
me if netflix cracks down on password sharing pic.twitter.com/wKKQifRGsu
— 💖Tekki the fairy💖 🧁Lee Ping's #1 fan🧁 (@PrincessTekki) March 11, 2021
my grandfather warned me this day would come https://t.co/0uqSQgmS93
— connectpoliticditto. (@cpoliticditto) March 12, 2021
so they are basically doing a 2 factor auth? I guess it would stop unwanted pw sharing, but we could just tell our friends or family.
— Alexander Pan (@avpan) March 12, 2021
Simple, if @netflix is too stupid to understand what their customers need, people will easily get rid of it, especially in Europe, where American culture forced down everybody’s throat becomes more and more of an issue. For legislators and governments too.
— Baptiste Gold (@Baptiste_Gold) March 11, 2021
I double dare them. The only reason I still have Netflix is that my cousin uses it.
— Thijs van der Tuin (@thijsvandertuin) March 11, 2021
Previously, in 2016, Netflix co-CEO Reed Hastings said that password sharing was 'something you have to learn to live with,' but over the past five years, that has been increased efforts to clamp down on the practice.
It should be noted that while the service limits the number of devices on which you can simultaneously stream its content, which is dependent upon one's subscription tier, the average account can have up to five different profiles featured on it.