Netflix Expands Crackdown on Password Sharing to Four More Countries

Netflix announced that it is expanding its campaign to crack down on password sharing, expanding it to four new countries, including Canada, New Zealand, Spain, and Portugal.

In those countries, Netflix subscribers who are sharing an account with viewers not living with them will need to pay a nominal fee for the “extra member.”

Prices are as follows:

• Canada – $7.99 CAD
• New Zealand – $7.99 NZD
• Portugal – 3.99 euros
• Spain – 5.99 euros

Prices are per person, with up to two additional people able to be added to an existing Netflix Standard or Premium plan. The extra price will provide each person with a profile, personalized recommendations, login, and password.

"We value our members and recognize that they have many entertainment choices. A Netflix account is intended for one household and members can choose from a range of plans with different features (see chart below). As always, we’ll refine these new features based on member feedback so that we continue to improve Netflix in the years ahead."

Also, subscribers who share a Netflix account with someone outside of their household at the current time can transfer a profile to a separate paid Netflix account.

• Set primary location: We’ll help members set this up, ensuring that anyone who lives in their household can use their Netflix account. 
• Manage account access and devices: Members can now easily manage who has access to their account from our new Manage Access and Devices page. 
• Transfer profile: People using an account can now easily transfer a profile to a new account, which they pay for — keeping their personalized recommendations, viewing history, My List, saved games and more. 
• Watch while you travel: Members can still easily watch Netflix on their personal devices or log into a new TV, like at a hotel or holiday rental. 
• Buy an extra member: Members on our Standard or Premium plan in many countries (including Canada, New Zealand, Portugal and Spain) can add an extra member sub account for up to two people they don’t live with — each with a profile, personalized recommendations, login and password — for an extra CAD$7.99 a month per person in Canada, NZD$7.99 in New Zealand, Euro 3.99 in Portugal, and Euro 5.99 in Spain. 

Password sharing has long been a thorn in the side of Netflix, as password sharing directly affects the company’s profits, and the streamer has been exploring various ways to put an end to the practice.

While Netflix has never officially allowed password sharing, it has looked the other way for years. An estimated 222 million paying households share passwords with an additional 100 million households that Netflix wants to collect money from.