Netflix is considering a crackdown on password sharing

Streaming platforms, including Netflix, HBO Go, Amazon Prime, and Disney+, allow users to create multiple profiles within the account, but the terms and conditions specify they are meant to be used by people in the household.

During a 2016 webcast, Netflix co-founder and chief executive Reed Hastings said: “Password sharing is something you have to learn to live with because there’s so much legitimate password sharing, like you sharing with your spouse, with your kids, so there’s no bright line, and we’re doing fine as is.”

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A spokesperson of the streaming giant told BBC that the company is trying a crackdown on password sharing. In the trial, users can verify that they are allowed to access the account by a code, sent via text or email.

A decision has yet to be made as to whether the company will roll this out across its network, although some users have reported seeing a screen saying, “If you don’t live with the owner of this account, you need your own account to keep watching.”

According to the spokesperson, “This test is designed to help ensure that people using Netflix accounts are authorized to do so.”

Meanwhile, the streaming giant promised a good time to its subscribers at the beginning of 2021.  According to them, every new week, they plan to release a new movie.  The movie streaming platform announced the plan on its Twitter handle.

The exciting news came as the Coronavirus pandemic continues to derail the operations of theaters across the world, moving film releases to streaming platforms mostly. Warner Bros. also announced plans to simultaneously release the studio’s 2021 slate of films on HBO Max and in theaters where possible. Warner Bros., like CNN, is part of WarnerMedia.