Streaming giant Netflix has announced a new set of rules that will affect users who share passwords with their friends and family.
This shake-up could see millions blocked from viewing certain shows. People who currently password-share could find themselves with less options of TV shows and films to watch.
This comes as Netflix confirms they will be cracking down on people with these type of accounts. In several places across the world, password-sharers have already seen their site access restricted.
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But now, Netflix have confirmed that these rules will be rolled out to even more parts of the globe. This update will now mean that millions of users who watch content for free on friend or family accounts will now be asked to pay.
However, to make things simple, Netflix will offer an option to add "paid sharing" which is less than a full subscription. More than 100 million users are set to be affected by this change, The Express reports.
Confirming this change, Netflix said: "Later in Q1, we expect to start rolling out paid sharing more broadly.
"Today’s widespread account sharing (100M+ households) undermines our long term ability to invest in and improve Netflix, as well as build our business."
Bosses of the streaming giant have noted that this change will not be popular, and they are attempting to sweeten the deal by adding features like easy ways to transfer profiles to new accounts, and being able to monitor devices using accounts.
The streaming firm added: "While our terms of use limit use of Netflix to a household, we recognize this is a change for members who share their account more broadly.
"So we’ve worked hard to build additional new features that improve the Netflix experience, including the ability for members to review which devices are using their account and to transfer a profile to a new account.
"As we roll out paid sharing, members in many countries will also have the option to pay extra if they want to share Netflix with people they don’t live with. As is the case today, all members will be able to watch while traveling, whether on a TV or mobile device."
It's not yet known when the rules will come into force or which areas will be affected.
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