Netflix explains account sharing rules as global ban begins rollout

Netflix has finally announced how they’ll be changing the rules on sharing accounts in an attempt to stop multiple people who don’t live together from using the same account without paying for it.

It’s more bad news for those who have been piggybacking off someone else’s account for years now, as they might be about to get the hard shove and have to either buy their own Netflix subscription or do without it altogether.

In a post written by the company’s Director of Product Innovation, Chengyi Long, a five-point plan for how things are going to change was established.

So far, those changes have only been tested in Latin America, but they are rolling out in Canada, Spain, Portugal, and New Zealand as of today.

So, here we go.

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Firstly, users will set a primary location for their Netflix account, meaning that anyone who lives in that household will be able to use it.

Then, there will be new settings to manage devices and account access to help monitor who is using the account.

Those who have a profile on someone else’s account will be easily able to move their profile to another account that they pay for, which will retain any preferences, recommendations, and viewing history – amongst other things - on it.

Subscribers will still be able to watch Netflix on the go on personal devices, or log-in on another TV if they’re travelling in a hotel or a holiday rental home.

Then – perhaps most importantly – those with a Standard or Premium Netflix account will be able to buy another member onto their account in many countries, which can include up to two people who they don’t live with.

They’ll each get their own profile with recommendations, log-in details and password, for a little bit extra each month.

Clarifying their position, the post states: “We’ve always made it easy for people who live together to share their Netflix account with features like profiles and multiple streams.

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"While these have been hugely popular, they’ve also created confusion about when and how you can share Netflix. Today, over 100 million households are sharing accounts — impacting our ability to invest in great new TV and films.

“So over the last year, we’ve been exploring different approaches to address this issue in Latin America, and we’re now ready to roll them out more broadly in the coming months, starting today in Canada, New Zealand, Portugal and Spain.

“Our focus has been on giving members greater control over who can access their account.”

The post continues: “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….

“As always, we’ll refine these new features based on member feedback so that we continue to improve Netflix in the years ahead.”

Take note, profile piggybackers, it seems as if these changes are going to stick.

You can view the whole blog post here.