Netflix Just ‘Flicked The Kill Switch’ On Sharing Passwords


Netflix is getting 2019 off to a painful start thanks to new changes that could see the days of sharing your password go out of the window. Those idea of one brave soul paying for the entire neighbourhood’s Netflix account might be behind us thanks to new advances in technology.

If you fancy watching BandersnatchIndie Game: The Movie, or the final episode of Fullmetal Alchemist, it could be time to stump up and pay for that monthly subscription.

 

According to The Verge, software company Synamedia showed off its nefarious idea at this year’s Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas. The British firm has created software that can track where you’re signed in and therefore flag shared accounts. Everything is about to change if you’re watching Big Mouth on a sun lounger in Mexico and Mum’s watching Bake Off at home in the kitchen.

It will start off pretty sedate. If Netflix finds you’ve been sharing your account with family or friends, chances are they’ll just send an email asking you to upgrade your subscription. However, people who have sold their password online on a Netflix black market could face criminal charges.

We’ve heard of selling your kidney to buy an iPhone, but asking people to bid on your Netflix password is taking it a step further.

Netflix Stock Image
Pixabay

The man behind this devilish twist of fate is Jean Marc Racine, CPO of Synamedia. Explaining why he’s 2019’s biggest killjoy, Racine explained, “Casual credentials sharing is becoming too expensive to ignore”.

He continued, “Our new solution gives operators the ability to take action. Many casual users will be happy to pay an additional fee for a premium, shared service with a greater number of concurrent users. It’s a great way to keep honest people honest while benefiting from an incremental revenue stream.”

Netflix Remote Stock Image
Pixabay

Worringly, Synamedia isn’t just putting Netflix in its sights. If the idea takes off (which it definitely will), Synamedia will take over the entire world of streaming. Now TV, Hulu, HBO, and Amazon will all be doomed to a Black Mirror-inspired fate.

There was that joke about Bird Box being watched by over 45 million Netflix accounts actually meaning the population of Earth has probably seen it. In the meantime, we salute those loyal few who take the brunt of that £7.99 a month.

[Featured Image: The WB/Pixabay]