The new year hasn’t even begun, but 2023 is already off to a rough start for streaming freeloaders.
Netflix has announced it’s cracking down on password sharing, which will affect an estimated 100 million customers. The streaming giant will start requiring password sharers to pay an additional fee to access its service beginning in early 2023.
The company has tested this method in Latin American countries, where the primary account owners are asked to provide a verification code to outsiders who want to access the account. Once the code is provided, Netflix will require a monthly fee from the non–household subscriber. It will cost less than a full subscription, with some estimates putting it around $5 a month.
Netflix‘s decision to break up with password sharing is a response to its recent drop in subscribers and revenue. But in an effort to keep customers from leaving altogether, the streaming service will likely take a gradual approach to phasing out the practice. Until then, soak up all the shows you can for free using your parents’ login.
