Advertisement

OPINION - Talking Point: What do you think about Netflix’s password-sharing crackdown?

An extimated 100 million households worldwide are using shared Netflix accounts (PA Archive)
An extimated 100 million households worldwide are using shared Netflix accounts (PA Archive)

Streaming giant Netflix has shared its plans to crack down on password-sharing amongst its users.

Netflix is set to limit access to its service to a single location based on the account holder’s Wi-Fi network, along with requiring users to watch its content at least once every 31 days to verify their devices.

The company has said that it is losing billions in revenue from a reported 100 million users who are using its service without paying for monthly subscriptions.

In a letter to its shareholders, Netflix said: “Today’s widespread account sharing undermines our long-term ability to invest in and improve Netflix, as well as build our business.

“While our terms of use limit use of Netflix to a household, we recognise this is a change for members who share their account more broadly.”

Netflix has already started charging users who share accounts in South America the equivalent of roughly £2 per month.

The company admitted that they expected a negative reaction from the new rules in the short term.

What do you think about Netflix’s password-sharing crackdown? Let us know in the comments for your chance to be featured on the ES website.

Earlier this week we asked: How do you feel about Brexit three years on?

One reader considered Brexit to be a class vote. @stevebpictures commented: “The only opponents of Brexit are the middle class who can’t stand the passport queue at Geneva airport on their third annual skiing trip.”

Another reader, @ shivclicks1, voiced optimism for the future, commenting: “The government followed the will of the people, it’s not been easy as the government has to rewrite and modify rules which were followed for over 50 years, but it will only get better”.

Many readers, however, feel negative about Britain’s divorce from the EU. @slack_diana commented: “It’s like living in a neighbourhood where everyone, is getting along exchanging everything with each other, and you’re the only one that’s not talking to anyone and not interacting with the community.”

Similarly, @miss_omnishambles commented: “There’s been zero benefit, as expected. We needlessly shot ourselves in the foot because of English exceptionalism and ignorance.”

@boxingtrainerlondon sarcastically commented: “We really showed it to the EU.. the only G7 country to have no growth going forward. Can’t imagine why that would be... maybe self-imposed sanctions to the largest free market in the world on the doorstep?”