Chinese Video Streaming Platforms Join Netflix in Account Sharing Crackdown

Netflix isn't the only video streaming platform in the world that wants to put an end to account sharing.

A number of Tencent Video users in China took to social media to complain about their accounts being blocked after they used the platform on multiple devices at the same time, according to Chinese news outlet Jiemian Global. Tencent said the platform now only allows the same account to be used on two different devices simultaneously.

Baidu's iQiYi and Alibaba Group's YouKu, both of which reportedly have over 500 million active monthly users each, similarly changed their policies on password sharing. iQiYi in its policies state that users cannot share their accounts with others, and must pay for higher tiers if they wish to have others use the platform under the same account. Meanwhile, YouKu announced that accounts can only be used on one device at a time, down from the previous limit of three.

The news comes about a week after Netflix started rolling out new policies concerning account sharing in Canada, New Zealand, Portugal and Spain. As part of the new policies, users are required to register a primary location, which is essentially their home, and must use their account in that location at least once every 31 days.

If someone outside that location wishes to use that same account, the account holder must pay an additional monthly fee. It reportedly costs CA$7.99 per slot. Standard subscribers can have one extra slot, while Premium subscribers can have up to two. Basic subscribers, however, can't accommodate users outside of the registered household.

Netflix’s anti-account sharing policies come amid stiffening international competition, with the likes of Amazon Prime, Disney+ and HBO Max, among others, all vying to capture a part of the market. The company last year said over 100 million households are sharing accounts, impacting its ability to produce more content.

While Netflix’s policies have yet to roll out in other markets in the world, the move has seemingly set a precedent for its Chinese counterparts, some of which are now following its example.

A number of Tencent Video users in China took to social media to complain about their accounts being blocked after they used the platform on multiple devices at the same time.
Tencent said the platform now only allows the same account to be used on two different devices simultaneously.
Baidu's iQiYi and Alibaba Group's YouKu similarly changed their policies on password sharing earlier this year.
The news comes about a week after Netflix started rolling out new policies concerning account sharing in Canada, New Zealand, Portugal and Spain.