Netflix tests new feature to crack down on password sharing

Netflix is rolling out alerts asking users to verify authorization to watch on the account.

A Netflix spokesperson in a statement said, "This test is designed to help ensure that people using Netflix accounts are authorized to do so”.

However, the company will ask users to verify if they are account owners by sending them an email or text code and if the user is unable to verify account ownership within a specified period of time, Netflix will prevent them from streaming its content.

Users will also have the choice to verify themselves later.

As per company’s terms of service, accounts may not be shared with individuals beyond your household.

In 2019 Netflix's chief product officer said that the company was focused on preventing password sharing, but was still looking for ways to enforce it.

Moreover, the new feature is just a test and is not specific to any one country or any specific length of time

The new feature is currently being rolled out to a limited number of users on the Netflix TV app.

According to an analysis by Parks Associates, password sharing had led to a loss of $9.1 billion in fees in 2019 alone for streaming providers such as Netflix, Hulu, and Disney Plus.