How will Netflix prevent users from sharing passwords

Account-sharing is no longer possible as Netflix develops location-tracking method for devices not in the same house


Tech Desk February 02, 2023

After announcing last year that account sharing will no longer be possible in the coming months, Netflix has finally rolled out details on how it will prevent password sharing by tracking user locations.

According to Netflix, people living in a different household “will need to use their own account”, as devices detected in other locations “may be blocked from watching Netflix.”

The streaming platform intends to use information such as IP address, device IDs, and account activity to determine if a device is logged in on a device different from the primary location.

If new device logs into the account from a different location, Netflix will require a temporary code that will allow logging into that location for seven consecutive days. Traveling with a primary device, however, will pose no issues, as long as the device is connected to the WiFi at the primary location once every 31 days.

The website does detail that, "If you are away from your primary location for an extended period of time, your device may be blocked from watching Netflix. You can request a temporary access code to continue watching."

Just last year, Netflix introduced 'Profile Transfer' to combat the password-sharing issue, where users could migrate their personal Netflix profile from someone else’s account to a new one while transferring all their history, suggestions, and settings.

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