The day we’ve all feared is finally upon us. No, it’s not the end of the world, but it might as well be, because the era of Netflix password sharing is coming to an end, and God help us all.
The former DVD-peddling company shared an update Tuesday on sharing passwords, and with some pretty strong language revealed just how things are going to go from now on. Gone are the days when the equivalent of a Peruvian soccer team can all use one password. RIP to those halcyon days of wonder.
“A Netflix account is for use by one household,” the company said, and sent out an email to users about the change. Netflix said users will still have the ability to “easily watch Netflix on the go” through various devices, but it also detailed how to check exactly who is using their password.
There is a new “Manage Access and Devices” option, and users can also “Transfer a profile” to a “new membership they pay for.” If they want to add a member or share an account with someone who “doesn’t live with you,” that’s going to cost an extra $7.99 a month.
Of course this is a controversial move, but Netflix is trying its best to soften the blow:
“We recognize that our members have many entertainment choices. It’s why we continue to invest heavily in a wide variety of new films and TV shows — so whatever your taste, mood or language and whoever you’re watching with, there’s always something satisfying to watch on Netflix.”
It’s not exactly clear how Netflix will allow people using their own accounts when they’re not at home will fare, but I’m sure it’ll be clean and without any issues at all. Also, people will definitely not be immediately figuring out workarounds. This decision has been a while in the making, but it’s definitely going to upset people.
Last week, Netflix warned its partners that things were probably going to get pretty bad, backlash-wise. This means the company will weather the storm, but it expects the money increase to be worth it.
Canada, Spain, and New Zealand are already dealing with the changes, and according to Bloomberg, about one million people in Spain left the service. Netflix is banking on the idea that after the changes coagulate, people will return to the service.
The new rules go into effect on June 30. We’ll keep you posted on how it plays out.
