Netflix has had enough of unauthorized account sharing, which means it is missing out on a lot of revenue. After measures in some Latin American countries, the streaming service is also tackling Europe, starting with paid sub-accounts in Spain and Portugal.
More countries will follow in the coming months; the company said this week.
Netflix estimates that around 100 million families use a relative’s or friend’s Netflix account worldwide. That is less income for the streaming service, so action is being taken, as was previously known.
Spain and Portugal are the first countries in Europe to apply the new rules. As a result, although Netflix viewers can continue to share their Standard or Premium account with (maximum) two people who do not live under the same roof, they will have to pay extra for this from now on. In addition, the price differs from country to country: Spaniards pay an extra 5.99 euros per person per month, and in Portugal, it is 3.99 euros.
The amounts you pay for subaccounts, probably also in our country, are lower than the usual rates for a Netflix subscription: the Standard formula currently costs 13.49 euros per month, and for the more extensive Premium subscription, you have to pay 17.99 euros. The cheaper Basic formula (8.99 euros) is not eligible for sub-accounts.
The new rules will also take effect immediately in Canada and New Zealand. The question is whether Netflix users will be willing to pay extra or leave the streaming service. The company hopes to convince viewers to remain customers with exclusive content. In the meantime, it also offers a cheaper entry formula with advertisements in some regions.
