Netflix is currently the most popular streaming service worldwide. However, its HD plan, priced at over 200,000 VND per month, can be quite expensive for many users given the average income.
Netflix’s policy allows users within the same household to share an account (up to 2 screens for the standard plan and 4 for the premium plan). Many people have taken advantage of this by sharing accounts with friends who don’t live together, or even strangers, to cut costs. Some cheap Netflix account sellers in Vietnam operate using this model.
Now, Netflix is starting to block users from sharing accounts. Some users have reported that when logging in, they suddenly receive a message saying they don’t live with the account owner and must verify their access to continue.
“If you do not live with the owner of this account, you will need your own account to continue watching,” the Netflix message reads. To proceed, users must enter a verification code sent to the account owner’s email or phone number.
This verification process is currently being tested on TVs, while devices like computers, phones, and tablets are not yet affected.
Speaking to The Streamable, a Netflix representative said, “This check is designed to ensure users are accessing Netflix accounts legitimately.” However, Netflix hasn’t shared details on how it determines if an account is being shared among multiple people.
In fact, Netflix has long been aware of account sharing but hadn’t taken action for years. In an interview from October 2019, Netflix’s Chief Product Officer Greg Peters said the company “monitors password sharing but had no major plans to intervene.”
