It’s not uncommon to hear of people utilizing their friend or family member’s Netflix account. In fact, as multiple people are able to be logged in at the same time, sharing passwords was a relatively problem-free way to access the streaming service for quite some time.
However, Netflix recently announced plans to begin cracking down on password sharing, and the entire situation sparked quite a bit of backlash on social media.
The Guidelines Are Meant To Curb Password Sharing
The new guidelines recently made their debut on the streaming service’s website. Setting the tone, the very top of the guidelines page explicitly reads, “A Netflix account is for people who live together in a single household.”
Netflix goes on to note that, when a user attempts to log in to an account outside of the primary household, verification may be needed. This verification will send a link with a 4-digit code to the primary account owner’s email, and this code must be entered in order to watch Netflix from the device in question.
Additionally, it’s noted that “verification may be required periodically.” While this would certainly pose an issue for people using others’ accounts, it’ll also impact subscribers when they attempt to use Netflix while traveling.
An Old Tweet Came Back To Haunt Netflix: ‘THE LIES!’
As one can imagine, people were definitely annoyed by the new guidelines. However, even more outrage came about after a tweet from 2017 resurfaced, showing how much Netflix’s outlook has changed over the years.
Specifically, Netflix hopped on a trend at the time and tweeted, “Love is sharing a password.”
Love is sharing a password.
— Netflix (@netflix) March 10, 2017
Twitter users swiftly began calling the company out for its hypocrisy.
https://twitter.com/iramadisonthree/status/1620753013513273344?s=20&t=r8XQy40Xb1EqBfA5OXZbvg
— alex medina (@mrmedina) February 1, 2023
— UNO (@realUNOgame) February 2, 2023
THE LIES! THE LIES THE LIES!!!! https://t.co/4vnFeGgE8a pic.twitter.com/vr5R2TZrMX
— Mihrimah|FS |Free Palestine🇵🇸 |🪬🤲 (@Mihrimah_FS) February 2, 2023
Peep other users’ critiques down below.
Cancel Netflix. They just lost my business. "Password-sharing" is not a thing, it's called password-using. This is regressive bullshit borne out of capitalist greed to squeeze more money out of us. People paid for a password and they use it wherever they go.
— Fifty Shades of Whey (@davenewworld_2) February 1, 2023
Not only are Netflix’s new password sharing rules deplorable, there’s so many ways it can prevent people who live in the same house from being able to access their own Netflix, you shouldn’t have to jump through hoops to use your own service.
— mal ✰ (@starsentmal) February 1, 2023
I wonder how many people are going to switch to pirating Netflix shows just as a middle finger to Netflix's new password-sharing BS.
They've somehow become one of the shittiest streamers after being the biggest uncontested rockstar for years.
— Philip DeFranco 👊🏻 (@PhillyD) February 1, 2023
Even Simone Biles said she may cancel Netflix, noting, “I’m lazy & hate re-entering my password.” Relatable!
i may quit netflix simply because im lazy & hate re-entering my password 🥴 https://t.co/WScfYtfjui
— Simone Biles (@Simone_Biles) February 2, 2023
A TikToker going by @crutches_and_spice added to the conversation by proclaiming that the fallout from this decision was going to be “part of the top 10 of ‘f**k around and find out’ that we’ve ever seen.”
Specifically, she theorized that Netflix would face a serious hit in regards to how its original content performs, as less people will have access to the platform, resulting in less overall buzz.
@crutches_and_spice #stitch with @milehighbrendan @peacock has better content anyways, tbh…
What do you think about Netflix cracking down on password sharing, and will you still be keeping your subscription?
