Netflix Password-Sharing Crackdown Hits Singapore
Updated: Dec 19, 2023
Netflix users' days of sharing the same account with friends and family are over as the crackdown against the unsanctioned activity expands to more countries around the world, including Singapore.
The media giant announced on Tuesday, 23 May, that it started sending emails to subscribers, alerting them that their accounts can only be used in one household. Those living elsewhere can only enjoy the benefits of the same account if the account holder pays an additional fee. The emails were reportedly sent to subscribers in countries like Britain, France, Germany, Australia, Mexico, Brazil, the U.S. and Singapore.
Under the new policies, those living under the same roof can continue to share the same Netflix account and can use it on their devices when travelling.
Netflix checks an account's location by requiring subscribers to register their primary location the first time they login. That way it can verify the account is indeed only being used by members of the same household. The app then sends an SMS to subscribers' registered numbers, confirming if that's the location they want to login from every time they access their accounts for the first time on any device.
If Netflix suspects there's someone outside the primary household using the same account, it'll send an alert to the subscribers for them to check. Subscribers can see which devices are logged into their accounts and log out unauthorised logins.
Those who would like to continue to share their Netflix account with friends or family from a different household can do so by paying an additional S$6.98 per month on top of their monthly subscription. The feature, however, is only available to subscribers of the Standard and Premium tiers. Extra members would have their own account and password separate from the primary account holder.
In case they eventually decide to create their own account, Netflix gives them the option to transfer their existing profile from that existing account into the new one.
Netflix previously said more than 100 million households were engaging in password-sharing, which impacted its ability "to invest in great new TV and films". As of the end of March, the streaming pioneer has 232.5 million paying subscribers globally.
Netflix has expanded its password-sharing crackdown to more than 100 countries, including Singapore.
The media giant announced it started sending emails to subscribers, alerting them that their accounts can only be used in one household.
It checks an account's location by requiring subscribers to register their primary location the first time they login. The app then sends an SMS to subscribers' registered numbers, confirming if that's the location they want to login from every time they access their accounts for the first time on any device.