Netflix is planning a new test that would address password sharing. The company will be launching and testing two new features for members in Chile, Costa Rica, and Peru who share their accounts with additional users outside of their homes.
“We’ve always made it easy for people who live together to share their Netflix account, with features like separate profiles and multiple streams in our Standard and Premium plans,” Netflix shared in a blog post. “While these have been hugely popular, they have also created some confusion about when and how Netflix can be shared. As a result, accounts are being shared between households – impacting our ability to invest in great new TV and films for our members.”
The two new “features” being tested in Chile, Costa Rica, and Peru will attempt to identify those accounts that are sharing passwords and charge users a fee to keep “extra members” on the account.
First, members who are subscribed to the Standard or Premium plans will be able to add accounts for up to two people outside of their home. Each profile will get its own personalized recommendations, login, and password, and the sub accounts will pay a lower price – 2,380 CLP in Chile, 2.99 USD in Costa Rica, and 7.9 PEN in Peru.
Second, members with a Basic, Standard, or Premium plan will be able to share their account and transfer profile information to a new account or a sub account, to share the viewing history, watch list, and recommendations.
Netflix is only testing the new features in the three countries listed before making changes in any other areas.