Netflix is Cracking Down on Password Sharing, Will Soon Ask Customers to Pay for Users Outside of Household

Netflix is testing the concept of charging additional fees to users outside their households, as part of its ongoing effort to prevent password sharing, Variety reports.

According to the Netflix terms of service, a customer’s account “may not be shared with individuals beyond your household.”

Last year, the company conducted a limited test to encourage freeloaders into paying for their own accounts after it turned a blind eye to password sharing.

The additional alternatives will be available in the three countries in the coming weeks and may or may not expand beyond those markets.

“We’ve always made it easy for people who live together to share their Netflix account, with features like separate profiles and multiple streams in our Standard and Premium plans,” Long wrote in a blog post. “While these have been hugely popular, they have also created some confusion about when and how Netflix can be shared. As a result, accounts are being shared between households — impacting our ability to invest in great new TV and films for our members.”

Members on Netflix’s Standard and Premium plans may use the “add an extra member” function to add secondary accounts for up to two people who don’t live with them, each with their own profile, personalized recommendations, login, and password – for less than the cost of a separate Netflix plan.