Netflix Testing New System To Charge Additional Fee For Sharing Passwords

Netflix users around the world are accustomed to sharing their passwords. The service has become a must-have for TV junkies who want to see the latest hit movies, many of which are exclusives. One friend might pay for HBO Max and allow a loved one who lives outside their home to use their account in exchange for their Netflix credentials. It is a tale as old as streaming itself.

There have been rumblings that the streaming giant might be considering doing something about what they consider piracy. Those rumors are quickly becoming reality. Netflix will soon launch a new test that will make primary account holders pay an additional fee if they participate in password sharing.

The news was exclusively reported by Variety. According to the Netflix terms of service, users are not allowed to share their account outside of their own household. This rule has been skirted for years by budget-conscious consumers.

The test will take place in three countries to start. Netflix users in Chile, Costa Rica, and Peru who share their accounts will be allowed to do so if they pay a bit more. These new options will start rolling out in the next few weeks. There is no word on when or where the measures will go next.

Netflix director of product information Chengyi Long said the move is about making it easier for users to share. Customers are probably wondering what could be easier than giving out a password. Long said there has been confusion among subscribers about how and where the service can be shared.

The cost in test countries is equivalent to about $2.99 in US currency. The new “feature” is only in the testing stage and might not be permanent. The news will have Netflix password sharers feeling a little uneasy going forward.

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