Netflix is the most popular streaming platform out there with more than 220 million subscribers worldwide. Original hits like Stranger Things, Squid Game and Ozark have made the service essential, as have original movies such as Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery and All Quiet on the Western Front (both of which were nominated for Oscars).
But the streaming giant is looking to cut down on password sharers in 2023 after sharing in April of 2022 that they estimate 45 percent — or about 100 million — of their users share access to their accounts.
According to a post from The Streamable, Netflix plans to make users log in from their home WiFi once every month (31 days) to ensure they’re using the account. If not, the account will be blocked. To unblock the account, users will have to contact Netflix.
If that sounds like a pain, you’d be right. There have been times I’ve not logged into or watched anything on Netflix for a month at a time, and this will be a hassle for anyone that travels. The travel workaround from Netflix is to provide a one-time code when logging in on a different device, allowing the viewer seven consecutive days of use.
While a company trying to clamp down on shared passwords is understandable, not sure this is the best way to go about it. There has also been a lot of outcry on social media about Netflix canceling shows after one season, but CEO Ted Sarandos says they’ve never axed any truly popular content. It feels as though the quick trigger on cancellations is creating a self-fulfilling prophecy. Fans won’t watch a show with just one season, fearing they’ll get emotionally invested in a series that has no future. In turn, Netflix cancels shows after one season as they don’t have high enough viewership.
It will be interesting to see how things develop as 2023 continues. The new user and password rules are likely to roll out early this year.
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