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Netflix rolls out password sharing crackdown to more countries, including Canada and Spain

Netflix (NFLX) has broadened its crackdown on password sharing even as intense backlash from users builds.

On Wednesday, the streaming platform revealed it will roll out the updates in more countries in the coming months, including Canada, New Zealand, Portugal, and Spain as of today.

This comes after an update appeared on Netflix's help center last week which appeared to show the company would require users to identify a "primary location" for all accounts that live within the same household. Netflix said that information was only applicable to the test countries at that time, which included Chile, Costa Rica, and Peru.

POLAND - 2023/02/07: In this photo illustration, a Netflix logo seen displayed on a smartphone. (Photo Illustration by Mateusz Slodkowski/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)
POLAND - 2023/02/07: In this photo illustration, a Netflix logo seen displayed on a smartphone. (Photo Illustration by Mateusz Slodkowski/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images) (SOPA Images via Getty Images)

In its quarterly letter to shareholders published last month, Netflix said it would be intensifying its push to combat password sharing in Q1, although the streamer did not provide details on when exactly that would occur and what countries would be impacted.

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"Later in Q1, we expect to start rolling out paid sharing more broadly. Today’s widespread account sharing (100M+ households) undermines our long term ability to invest in and improve Netflix, as well as build our business," the company wrote.

Netflix's password crackdown, coupled with its recently launched ad-supported tier, have been looked at as meaningful profitability drivers, especially as competition within the streaming space escalates: "As always, our north stars remain pleasing our members and building even greater profitability over time."

As part of Wednesday's announcement, the company reiterated its commitment to customer service but once again warned that a Netflix account is only meant for one household: "We value our members and recognize that they have many entertainment choices. A Netflix account is intended for one household and members can choose from a range of plans with different features."

Here are the updated guidelines for the new countries, according to Netflix's announcement:

  • Set primary location: We’ll help members set this up, ensuring that anyone who lives in their household can use their Netflix account.

  • Manage account access and devices: Members can now easily manage who has access to their account from our new Manage Access and Devices page.

  • Transfer profile: People using an account can now easily transfer a profile to a new account, which they pay for — keeping their personalized recommendations, viewing history, My List, saved games and more.

  • Watch while you travel: Members can still easily watch Netflix on their personal devices or log into a new TV, like at a hotel or holiday rental.

  • Buy an extra member: Members on our Standard or Premium plan in many countries (including Canada, New Zealand, Portugal and Spain) can add an extra member sub account for up to two people they don’t live with — each with a profile, personalized recommendations, login and password — for an extra CAD$7.99 a month per person in Canada, NZD$7.99 in New Zealand, Euro 3.99 in Portugal, and Euro 5.99 in Spain.

As Yahoo Finance has covered this story, our inbox has become flooded with users concerned about some of the new requirements.

If you're a concerned Netflix subscriber, I want to hear from you! Share your thoughts and feedback at alexandra.canal@yahoofinance.com.

Alexandra is a Senior Entertainment and Media Reporter at Yahoo Finance. Follow her on Twitter @alliecanal8193 and email her at alexandra.canal@yahoofinance.com

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