After much speculation and various trials, Netflix has finally implemented a measure to block shared accounts. The company has officially confirmed this move through a statement released on their blog, stating that over 100 million households currently share the same single Netflix account. This widespread sharing of accounts has reduced the platform’s ability to invest in new content, leading them to implement restrictions on account sharing.
Netflix ends shared accounts
Subscribers are now required to set a primary location for their account. Which cannot be in use outside of that location, unless in special circumstances. Currently, the restrictions are in effect in Spain, Portugal, Canada, and New Zealand. With plans to expand to other regions in the future. Netflix has explained that they will assist users in setting up their primary location. To ensure that everyone living under the same roof can continue to access the streaming service.
over the last year, we’ve been exploring different approaches to address this issue in Latin America, and we’re now ready to roll them out more broadly in the coming months, starting today in Canada, New Zealand, Portugal and Spain. Our focus has been on giving members greater control over who can access their account.
To determine a user’s location, Netflix will take reference from their Wi-Fi network. And require users to access the platform through this network at least once every 31 days. If these requirements are not met, the account may be blocked. However, for those who travel, temporary access codes are available. Allowing users to access their account from non primary locations for up to seven days.
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In addition, Netflix has introduced the concept of “extra subscribers”. Account holders can now add up to two additional sub accounts within the same account. Which can be in use by users who do not live in the primary location. These sub accounts will cost more money per month per person.
Finally, Netflix is encouraging all those who have been using shared accounts to create their own account. To ensure that viewing history and saved content lists are not lost, Netflix recommends using their new profile transfer tool.
Netflix shared accounts restriction system has some issues
Netflix recently started displaying a message to account owners, requiring them to set up their main location. Which is in use to determine the eligible region for streaming. This has caused confusion and frustration among some users who have been talking on Twitter to voice their complaints. Many believe that Netflix is using certain countries as a testing ground for eventually implementing restrictions on password sharing in the United States.
The process of determining the main location is done by the user. But if the message appears despite the location being set, the user experience becomes unpleasant. Some users have reported issues with the location identification system. These issues raise concerns about the potential for suspending accounts or denying access to paying users. Which could result in a big backlash for Netflix.
The request to set the main location is similar to the request for payment through Paypal. Which is a source of frustration in itself. There are a lot of examples of the many problems users are facing due to the new message from Netflix.
It is possible that if this happened in the United States, Netflix would become the next Blockbuster. However, it remains to see how these issues will play out in the coming days and weeks. In the meantime, some countries are feeling like they are becoming the testing ground for Netflix’s new measures.
We will keep watching the development of the new sharing system by Netflix and its distribution over countries. And give you updates on this regard.
