Netflix Is Being Called Out For Old Tweet Embracing Password Sharing

Netflix customers continue to react to the news about cracking down on password sharing, now circulating a 2017 tweet from the company.

Netflix has unveiled its plan to crack down on password sharing, with customers circulating an old tweet in response. As streaming services compete in an increasingly crowded market, each has taken its own approach in an effort to stand out and bring in new subscribers. In April 2022, Netflix shared that roughly 100 million households engage in password sharing, leading to news in December that the platform would attempt to end the practice in 2023.

Netflix revealed its plan this week, leading to outrage from some customers. Now, Twitter users, including some high-profile ones, are circulating a 2017 tweet from Netflix claiming “Love is sharing a password” and calling the streamer out for the perceived hypocrisy. Check out some of the tweets below:

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Netflix’s Password Sharing Crackdown Explained

In theory, Netflix wants to prevent users who don’t live in the same household from using the same Netflix account. The company is hoping this will boost subscriber numbers, as those who had previously been sharing an account will now have to create their own. The streamer has a plan in place to ensure that all users on an account are from the same household, which involves verifying devices that are used outside of the home network on a regular basis. This is done via a four-digit verification code sent to the primary account owner that then must be entered on the device within 15 minutes.

It’s understandable that Netflix customers are upset about the change, particularly when the company has somewhat jokingly supported password sharing in the past. The new policy will likely make accessing the streamer’s shows and movies more difficult for some customers, and it remains to be seen if that will motivate them to purchase their own subscriptions. As Netflix is likely aware, there’s a risk that, with the large number of streaming options now available, existing users will simply turn to another platform instead.

In the wider scheme of things, Netflix’s crackdown on password sharing is evidence of just how competitive the streaming field has become over the last several years. While Netflix was once the go-to platform with little to no competition, especially for streaming originals, the additions of Disney+, HBO Max, Apple TV+, and more have meant that every streamer has had to get creative in how they attract and retain subscribers. As customers get used to the new password-sharing policy, it will be interesting to see how Netflix‘s plan ultimately affects its position in the streaming wars.

Source: Various (see above)