I didn’t think it would happen so soon, but Netflix is starting to ask non-paying password borrowers to get their own account. But thankfully, they’re not fully blocking these users from watching anything from Netflix—yet.
The video streaming platform is currently sending an alert to a select number of users as a test. The message includes an option to “join free for 30 days”. If you’re the owner, you can verify the account with a code via email or text, or you can “verify later”.
According to the message on the alert, Netflix is concerned about if a user “doesn’t live” with the owner of the account. Instead, the platform advises the user to get their own account to keep watching.
This is a little unsettling, because a higher tier (and higher priced) account fits five profiles. And if the account is shared amongst family with separate profiles in one account, it shouldn’t matter where they live. And if Netflix ends up making users purchase new accounts, why should I even opt for a higher priced account if besides just to have high-definition content?
At the moment, Netflix costs RM17/month for a mobile-only plan (480p) and it goes all the way up to RM55/month for a Premium account which offers 4K+ HDR resolution.
For now, Netflix doesn’t seem to be aiming a “full ban” for non-paying users. In 2019, Netflix’s Chief Product Officer Greg Peters said that they were looking into “consumer friendly ways” to make users purchase their own accounts.
In January, Netflix was also seen testing “Shuffle Play” which lets customers roll the dice for something to watch. The selection will be based on what you’ve seen previously, titles in genres that you’ve viewed, or content you have saved in the “My List” section.
They’ve also recently allowed each profile to set their own pin. With the option, you’re able to keep your roommates and others from leeching off from you.
Unlike Netflix, Spotify allows you to add individual accounts under the Family Plan, so there’s no account sharing. All they would require is a verification that everyone is living in the same house by stating their home address.
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