When Netflix password sharing will be banned in the UK – what are the rules?

Netflix is cracking down on password sharing (Picture: Getty)

Netflix has finally begun its crackdown on password sharing, and on Tuesday, began sending emails out to users, telling them that their account cannot be shared with users outside their household.

The crackdown is being put in place to encourage people to buy their own Netflix accounts, as the streaming service is struggling financially due to competition from the likes of Disney Plus and Amazon Prime.

However, analysis by KingCasinoBonus found that searches for ‘cancel Netflix account’ skyrocketed by 2,939% in the UK on May 24 – so it looks like the streaming service’s plan could backfire.

So just when is password sharing due to stop? And what will the rules be? Let’s find out.

When will Netflix stop password sharing?

Netflix began its crackdown on password sharing on Tuesday (May 23).

In a statement, the streaming service said: ‘Starting today, we will be sending this email to members who are sharing Netflix outside their household in the United Kingdom.   

‘A Netflix account is for use by one household. Everyone living in that household can use Netflix wherever they are – at home, on the go, on holiday – and take advantage of new features like Transfer Profile and Manage Access and Devices. 

‘We recognise that our members have many entertainment choices. It’s why we continue to invest heavily in a wide variety of new films and TV programmes – so whatever your taste, mood or language and whoever you’re watching with, there’s always something satisfying to watch on Netflix.’

What are the new rules?

Anyone who is logged into a Netflix account that does not live in the same house as the account owner, will now be prompted to transfer their profile to a brand new account, which they will have to begin paying for.

Otherwise, the account owner can choose to pay £4.99 extra a month for each member who does not live in their household but wants to use the account.

The extra users will only be able to watch shows on one device at a time, and must live in the same country as the account owner.

Netflix has confirmed that paying users will still be able to use their accounts when on the move or abroad.

It is at present unclear how Netflix will enforce these new rules.

Netflix is home to hit show such as Queen Charlotte (Picture: Netflix)

Why are Netflix ending password sharing?

In a letter to shareholders in January, Netflix said it expected to roll out the new paid account sharing ‘more broadly’ toward the end of the first quarter of 2023 as a way to generate more revenue.

The streaming giant estimated that more than 100 million households share accounts, which ‘undermines our long-term ability to invest in and improve Netflix.’

It follows a loss of 200,000 subscribers for the platform in the first quarter of 2022.

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