Netflix is testing a way to stop you from using your friend’s account

Netflix, the world’s largest streaming service informed that it is testing a feature that asks viewers to verify they share a household with the account holder, on March 11. This feature comes as a move to restrict the sharing of passwords.

Reports reveal that a few Netflix users are receiving a message asking them to confirm if they live with the account owner by entering details from a text message or email sent to the owner.

The Netflix terms and service state that users of an account must live in the same household, however, the company and other streaming services have declined to broadly crackdown on sharing.

The verification can be delayed by the viewers and continue watching Netflix but the message reappears when they open Netflix again, leading to them opening a new account to continue streaming.

A Netflix spokesperson asserted that the test is designed to ensure that people using Netflix accounts are authorized to do so.

Netflix is known for constantly testing new features with its users but there is no certainty that the household verification requirement will be implemented more widely.