Netflix Testing Out Ways To Stop People From Exchanging Account Passwords

It’s likely that the days of using someone else’s Netflix password are coming to an end.

To tackle password sharing, the streaming platform is evaluating a new feature with a small group of customers. The aim of the trial testing is to verify users’ accounts to prevent fraud by preventing the spread of passwords among people, including strangers.

In a statement released Thursday, a Netflix spokesperson said, “This test is designed to help ensure that people using Netflix accounts are authorized to do so.” Accounts “may not be shared with individuals beyond your household,” according to the company’s terms of service.

Netflix’s testing comes as the business competes with Disney+, HBO Max, and Hulu, as streaming and binge-watching have increased in popularity since the pandemic. Netflix, which welcomed over 37 million new customers last year and now has 200 million subscribers, has probably benefited the most.

The test has been made available to a small number of Netflix TV app users. When a Netflix user selects their profile on a shared site, a query appears asking them to validate their account by responding to a text or email.

According to research firm Magid, about a third of Netflix users have exchanged their passwords with others.