In an updated FAQ, the streaming service described how it intends to combat account sharing. The specifics vary depending on the country, but it appears that going forward, the business will pay close attention to the devices used to log into accounts. Every 31 days, users must access Netflix using the Wi-Fi network at their principal location.
Currently, devices that are not connected to the Netflix home or that seek to access an account outside of the subscriber's primary location for a lengthy period of time may need to be verified, according to the FAQ sites for US and UK members.
According to the Costa Rican Help Center, devices must connect to the principal location's Wi-Fi and view something on Netflix "at least once every 31 days." The guidelines have been modified on the FAQ pages for the nations where Netflix is experimenting additional membership costs for account sharing.
"IP addresses, device IDs, and account activity" will be used by the company to check if a signed-in device is indeed linked to the main location. If a device is determined to be outside the home, Netflix access may be stopped.
As further stated out in the instructions, if you are the principal account owner and you find yourself travelling between places, you can get a temporary code to access Netflix for seven consecutive days. Alternately, if your primary location has changed, you can edit it.
Customers can add a second member to their account if they want to share their Netflix account with someone who doesn't reside with them. Members can also move a profile from one account to another, maintaining their personal information on another account.
By the end of March, restrictions on account sharing and additional membership fees will be introduced in more countries as part of the effort to convert "borrowers"—those who now use Netflix accounts that are held by other households—to paid subscribers.
Crazy to think where this all came from. A media-services provider and production company founded in 1997 in Scotts Valley, California by Reed Hastings and Marc Randolph. It initially offered DVD rental-by-mail service and expanded to streaming video content in 2007. Today, Netflix is one of the world's largest streaming platforms with over 208 million subscribers in over 190 countries.
Netflix so far seems to be quiet on advertising these plans otherwise.