Netflix Cracks Down on Password Sharing in India: Here’s What You Need to Know

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In a move that has taken many by surprise, Netflix has decided to clamp down on the widespread practice of password sharing among users in India. For years, it has been a common scenario where one person pays for the Netflix subscription while several others enjoy the service using shared login credentials. However, this will no longer be the case.

Key Highlights: Netflix has started sending out emails to users, informing them that their account is meant exclusively for them and members of their household. If someone outside of the user’s household is accessing their account, Netflix is advising them to transfer their profile to a separate account and consider changing their password.

This move by Netflix, though sudden, was anticipated. There have been speculations for a while that the streaming service would take measures to curb password sharing. In a recent blog post, Netflix stated, “Starting today, we will be sending this email to members who are sharing Netflix outside their household in India. A Netflix account is for use by one household. Everyone living in that household can use Netflix wherever they are at home, on the go, on holiday and take advantage of new features like Transfer Profile and Manage Access and Devices.”

The company emphasized its commitment to providing a diverse range of films and TV shows to cater to the varied tastes of its members.

What Should Netflix Users Do Now?

1. Users should check who all have access to their account by visiting the ‘Manage access and devices’ option in their security and privacy settings.

2. They should then log out from devices that shouldn’t have access and consider changing their passwords.

3. If someone outside the household is using the account, that profile should be transferred.

Setting Up a Netflix Household: Netflix has introduced a ‘Household’ setup where users can specify which devices are primarily used to access Netflix within their household.

1. Users need to sign in to Netflix using a TV connected to their home internet.

2. From the Netflix homescreen on the TV, they should open the menu, select ‘Get Help’, and then ‘Manage Netflix Household’.

3. They can then confirm or update their Netflix Household.

4. A verification link will be sent to the registered email or phone number, which needs to be verified promptly.

5. After verification, users will receive a confirmation on their TV and an email.

This strategic move by Netflix aims to ensure that only genuine subscribers who pay for the service get to enjoy its vast content library. It remains to be seen how this will impact the streaming giant’s user base in India.