Some Netflix users have had their viewing pleasure disrupted as a part of a recent test by the streamer to crack down on users sharing passwords across different households.
If you're a Netflix user yourself, you may have noticed the change when visiting the streamer's website.
According to Digital Spy, in recent weeks, some viewers have reported seeing a message come up on the screen, asking them to verify their account after logging in.
"If you don't live with the owner of this account, you need your own account to keep watching," the message reads.
If a viewer wants to continue using the account, they are expected to verify their right to use it via an email or text code.
Of course, if the user is not actually the account holder themselves, they may have difficulties with the verification process.
I mean, who really wants to go to the trouble of asking the person whose account you're sponging off to check for a code purely so you can continue binge-watching your favorite shows free of charge?
If you're uncomfortable with the idea of bothering the individual funding your couch potato lifestyle, you're then left with the option of setting up your own account with a 30-day free trial.
A Netflix spokesperson told The Streamable: "This test is designed to help ensure that people using Netflix accounts are authorized to do so." It is not known whether users in the test simply need to have the same IP address to be considered part of the same household.
While the streaming giant does actually allow more than one user per account, password sharing "with individuals beyond your household" is absolutely not allowed.
According to Netflix's Terms of Use:
"The Netflix service and any content viewed through the service are for your personal and non-commercial use only and may not be shared with individuals beyond your household.
"During your Netflix membership, we grant you a limited, non-exclusive, non-transferable right to access the Netflix service and view Netflix content."
Depending on the plan you have, there are also limits on how many users on an account can view a program at the same time.
With their basic plan ($8.99), a program or movie can only be streamed on one device. So even if you were planning to watch a completely different show or film than the other user, if your account is currently in use, you won't be able to.
With the Standard plan ($13.99), streaming is available on no more than two devices, and the Premium plan ($17.99) allows up to four devices.
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