Netflix has started testing a new system to cut down on the practice of sharing or borrowing logins.
Subscribers to the world's largest streaming service can set up multiple profiles on their accounts, and depending on the subscription level, an account can enable simultaneous viewing on up to four different devices.
The rules are designed to enable different members of the same household to watch Netflix at the same time on different devices, but in reality 'account sharing' is common among groups of friends who do not live at the same address.
In an attempt to tackle the problem, Netflix is trialling a new system that will prompt users to verify that they are genuine by requiring the account holder to validate their access with a one-off code sent to their registered phone or email address.
Reports of the new technology surfaced on Twitter earlier this week and have now been confirmed by Netflix to TVLine.
O no. Netflix doing the purge?!? pic.twitter.com/XXlHtfgfsy
— chante most (@DOP3Sweet) March 9, 2021
A spokesperson told the website: "This test is designed to help ensure that people using Netflix accounts are authorised to do so."
So far the test appears to be limited to a select group of users in the US only.
Follow us on X/Twitter and like us on Facebook for the latest entertainment news alerts.
Media Mole Low-Price Offer: Get Sky Entertainment, Sky Stream & Netflix for just £20 a month + £0 upfront fee for 24 months!
Prices may change during this period. Ends November 6, 2024