Netflix has begun implementing its new password-sharing policies across various countries, including New Zealand, Spain, Portugal, and Canada.
These changes, which many users have anticipated and criticized, are now transitioning beyond the initial testing phase in South America.
Subscribers in these regions will be required to designate a primary location for their households. Those attempting to access accounts from outside this designated area will encounter restrictions unless they opt to pay an additional fee.
While Netflix is allowing account sharing with individuals not residing at the same address, this privilege will come at a cost. Initially, expectations were that the fees would be modest, approximately $2.99 in the U.S., £2.50 in the UK, and AU$4 in Australia, based on earlier South American pricing trends.
However, the reality is that the charges are higher than anticipated. In Canada and New Zealand, for instance, the fee is set at CA$7.99 and NZ$7.99 per month, respectively. In Europe, Portugal sees a charge of €3.99, while Spain has a fee of €5.99.
If these trends hold, we might expect similar pricing in the U.S., U.K., and Australia, likely around $7.99 or £7.99. Although this pricing is still lower than the top-tier subscription plans, it falls short of the more favorable rates many had hoped for.
In various regions like Canada, New Zealand, Spain, and Portugal, Netflix has introduced distinct tiers that come with specific features.
For users on standard and premium plans, there’s now an option to pay extra fees for additional members. This allows subscribers to create a separate sub-account for an extra user residing at a different address than the main account holder. Each sub-account will have its own personalized profiles, recommendations, and login information. The standard plan permits one extra sub-account, while the premium plan allows for two.
However, for those sharing passwords in regions outside of these specified locations, the current arrangement will remain unchanged for now. Yet, this recent announcement may signal a shift towards more stringent rules similar to those in Canada and Spain. So, if you're sharing an account with a relative or friend, it might be wise to binge-watch your favorite shows while you still can.
On the topic of regulations, Netflix recently faced criticism for its unclear communication regarding new policies. Initially, the platform published an FAQ outlining new guidelines, only to retract and alter them shortly after. Currently, if you check the FAQ section, you may not find any references to the requirement of visiting the primary account location monthly or the need to verify via phone or email. Instead, users in the US, UK, Australia, and other regions will encounter a straightforward message stating that a Netflix account should be shared only within one household. Those not residing with the account owner will need to create their own subscription to access Netflix.
As of September 2, 2022, Netflix has updated its FAQ section regarding account sharing.
For subscribers in Canada and select other regions, there are specific guidelines about adding extra members to your account.
Despite efforts to streamline the information, Netflix's new policies surrounding account sharing have become increasingly confusing.
It's unclear how the platform will determine who qualifies as part of a household, leading to speculation that they might be intentionally vague to deter users from exploiting the system.
If you find the changes unsatisfactory and are considering leaving Netflix, you might want to explore our recommendations for alternative streaming services that could better meet your needs.
Note: A correction was made on February 9, 2023. It was previously mentioned that a sub-account could accommodate two users; however, it can only support a single user.
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