Here's what we know so far about the Netflix password-sharing crack down
Netflix will launch its crackdown on password-sharing between different households soon, but how does the streaming giant exactly plan to pull it off?
In its now-deleted guidelines for United States subscribers that's still accessible on archiving website Wayback Machine, Netflix stated that one must connect to the WiFi at their primary location, open the app or website, and watch something at least once every 31 days.
"This creates a trusted device so you can watch Netflix, even when you’re away from your primary location," it added.
Netflix said it will use information such as IP addresses, device IDs, and account activity to check whether a device is within a primary location.
Logging into an account via a device that's not within a primary location may result in getting blocked. One, then, has to request a temporary code to get access to Netflix for seven consecutive days.
In its revised guidelines, which also applies to the Philippines, Netflix is still using IP addresses, device IDs, and account activity to check whether a device is within a primary location.
If it detects that the account is signed in or accessed "persistently" from another location, Netflix said it may ask the subscriber to verify the device first before watching.
It will send a link containing a four-digit verification code to the registered email address or phone number. The subscriber must enter this code within 15 minutes to continue watching.
As long as the device is using the internet connection in the primary account owner's household, Netflix said it won't require verification.
Though the subscriber is actually using their own account but outside of their household, whether they're traveling or living between different homes, they will still have to verify it.
"We ask you to verify to make sure that the device using the account is authorized to do so," Netflix said.
As it stands, nothing's certain yet until such guidelines take effect.
In a meeting last Jan. 20, Netflix executives said the company will launch its password-sharing crackdown by the end of the first quarter, or in late March.
