Netflix told to stop treating customers like children amid password sharing crackdown

Netflix has been cracking down on password sharing, prompting outrage from its users, with many threatening to boycott the streaming service. Netflix has recently implemented fresh rules in over 100 countries, including the UK, which would ban people not living under the same roof to share passwords. Alternatively, those who still wish to share an account with individuals from a different household can opt for the 'paid sharing' option, which comes at a cost of £4.99/month ($8/month in the US).

Netflix, being a multi-billion dollar company, has stated the need to make substantial investments in new content.

However, many users have expressed their frustration on social media, with some even deleting their accounts.

Critics argue that Netflix is treating them like children, while others have used the hashtag 'Cancel Netflix' in tweets showing their decision to sever ties with the streaming giant.

This ban has been rolled out to 103 countries, including the UK, the US, France, Germany, Australia, Singapore, Mexico, and Brazil.

It was initially tested in Peru, Chile, and Costa Rica last year.

Research firm Digital-i estimates that approximately a quarter of Netflix's 15 million subscribers in the UK share their passwords.

One user posted to Twitter: "Sorry but us as users should #Boicot Netflix and complain even delete accounts so they don't force us to this. I pay extra to use 4 device it shouldn't matter how I used them."

Another said: "I'll just delete @netflix tbh, the platform isn't even that good and there's so many other streaming services. @netflix is about to go the way of blockbuster."

And one added: "Let them delete the account I share with family. I'm willing to bet this backfires on Netflix big time lol."

Others fumed about the prices during the ongoing cost of living crisis.

One UK-based user said: "Netflix isn't even that cheap anymore, and the cost of living etc mean subscriptions will be one of the first things to go. Stupid decision."

Another simply posted: "Time to delete Netflix forever f***in scammers."

Netflix's terms of service required users to live in the same household, but no action was taken to enforce this until 2023.

This week, the company began emailing UK users sharing their accounts with non-household members.

It says: “Your Netflix account is for you and the people you live with – your household.

“You can easily watch Netflix on the go and when you travel – either on your personal devices or a TV at a hotel or holiday home.”