Back in 2016, Netflix CEO Reed Hastings didn’t seem very concerned about the idea that some people share their Netflix passwords with people who do not live in their household. He described it as “something you have to learn to live with.” He added, “There’s so much legitimate password sharing, like you sharing with your spouse, with your kids, so there’s no bright line.”

Here’s the kicker. He also said, “We’re doing fine as is.”

Now, in 2021, Netflix has changed their tune. Sure, they’re still “doing fine as is.” In fact, they’re doing very well, but they are no longer okay with learning to accept password sharing.

Things have changed a lot since 2016. At the time, Netflix didn’t have a whole lot of competition in the TV and movie streaming space. Now, they’re competing with Disney+, HBOMAX, AppleTV+ and other streamers. It’s important to Netflix that they stay competitive and get paid for the service they offer.

The question is how Netflix can crack down on password sharing. How can they know if you share a household with the account owner? Watch the video below to learn what Netflix has started doing.

 

Some Netflix users have already been met with a new screen that asks a simple question. “Is this your account?” The screen also prompts viewers to start their own account with a free 30-day trial. If it is your account, you can choose how you would like to receive a verification code. The options are via text, email or to verify later.

O no. Netflix doing the purge?!? pic.twitter.com/XXlHtfgfsy

— chante most (@DOP3Sweet) March 9, 2021

Don’t think that “verify later” will allow you to use someone else’s Netflix password indefinitely. There is a specified time limit in which the account will need to be verified.

Do you let anyone outside your household use your Netflix password? Do you have a Netflix account? Do you think this screen asking for account verification will help Netflix successfully crack down on password sharing?