Exchanging passwords for Netflix or Disney+ is very popular with friends and family. That’s almost how it seems one third of Dutch streaming users to someone else’s account. Businesses are losing so much revenue, but it hasn’t been very hard until now.
The UK copyright watchdog IPO warned UK citizens this week that sharing stream subscription passwords is illegal. A spokesperson he tells the BBC that the sharing of access data “is punishable both civilly and criminally”. As users violate the terms of video services, they may be sued by the companies. Companies can then claim compensation.
More business
So far, no streaming service has filed a lawsuit against subscribers in this regard. There was no case even through the criminal law.
The UK Public Prosecutor says they look at such cases on a case-by-case basis and stresses that a police investigation must first take place. According to the BBC, there is “no indication that the UK police force is opening an investigation” into this offence. It doesn’t fall under criminal law in the Netherlands, but a streaming service could claim compensation in a civil case.
Netflix comes with an access sharing fee
Netflix will soon stricter control on sharing access with people outside the household. Netflix will be charging an extra monthly amount for this from early 2023. Netflix has had that new surcharge for the last few months already tested in five Latin American countries, where it cost $3 more per month. It will be introduced worldwide in the first quarter of 2023.
Netflix users can designate a location as their home address. While travelling, they can use the service without restrictions on devices such as smartphones, tablets and laptops. Netflix says it uses device IP addresses, device IDs, and account activity, among other things, to determine whether logins are shared with people outside your household.
“Hitchhikers” transferred to new accounts
With the more rigorous approach, Netflix hopes that subscribers will convince “piggybackers” to sign up for their subscription. This should also be made easier because “free hitchhikers” can add their profile to new feature can export to a new subscription. This way they can take all their recommendations, viewing history, saved titles, games and settings with them.
Cheapest subscription
Netflix recently came up with one too cheapest subscription with advertising, which should provide more new subscribers. That new subscription started in November in the first countries. It is not yet known when the budget option will be available in the Netherlands.
