Netflix is ​​testing a system to prevent customers from sharing passwords

San Francisco. Netflix streaming entertainment platform on Friday confirmed rumors that have surfaced this week that it is testing a new system to prevent customers from sharing passwords and using the service without living with the account owner.

In a statement, the company from Los Gatos, California, explained that the method tested these days “is designed to ensure that people who use Netflix accounts are authorized to do so.”

In recent days, several users have shared Netflix screenshots on social networks where the message appeared: “If you do not live with the owner of this account, you must have your own account to continue viewing content.”

If the recipient of the message wanted to continue using the service, they had to verify that they were the account holder (or were in contact with them) by entering a code that was emailed or texted. address or number associated with the holder.

Thus, the system would not focus on detecting those who share their password with family members living in the same house (something allowed by company policies), but on preventing cases where a user takes advantage of another without his consent from another house.

The Californian company did not provide details on how many people participate in this test or if it has a calendar to start sending official messages.

According to the company, Netflix has 200 million subscribers worldwide and 33% of them share their password with at least one other person, according to a study conducted by market research firm Magid.