By Simon Kelly
The news none of us wanted to hear
Netflix‘s long-threatened password crackdown looks to be finally happening and it could be pretty soon.
News of Netflix’s password control measures broke earlier this year, after it had trialled the rule-change in certain countries. But the streaming platform quickly backtracked on the plans following outcry from users.
However, it now seems to be ready to implement them.
In a statement, the company said the tightening of its rules will begin in the United States and other countries during the current quarter (April to June).
What it means by other countries remains a mystery and seems intentionally vague on their part. But it’s best to come to terms with the fact Ireland could be included, just in case.
In a statement, Netflix said: “We learn more with each rollout and we’ve incorporated the latest learnings, which we think will lead to even better results.
“To implement these changes, we shifted out the timing of the broad launch from late Q1 to Q2. We are planning on a broad rollout [of the password sharing crackdown], including in the US, in Q2.
“We’re pleased with the most recent launches of paid sharing, and while we could have launched broadly in Q1, we found opportunities to improve the experience for members.”
Netflix already set up password-sharing fees in Canada, New Zealand, Portugal and Spain, saying it was pleased with the results of the trial.
The company reported an increase of 1.75 million subscribers, up nearly 5% from the same period in the prior year, but still below their expectations.
Netflix also announced that they will call and end to their DVD rental service after 25 years. The final DVDs will be posted out on September 29, 2023.
The service was the original foundation of Netflix back when they began as a company in 1998. They pivoted to streaming in 2007.
“We feel so privileged to have been able to share movie nights with our DVD members for so long, so proud of what our employees achieved and excited to continue pleasing entertainment fans for many more decades to come,” the company said.
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