According to a report by CNN Portugal, users of the
streaming platform have already received a message reporting the changes and
some even came across a message on the screen: "Each Netflix account is
intended to be used by people who live in the same location" when trying
to access the platform. "If this account is yours, on the next screen we
will help you configure its main use".
But when do the changes take effect? According to Netflix,
it will be necessary to configure the main location by February 21.
"Anyone who resides in your main location can use this Netflix account. We
will help you to configure this on your TV", according to the email sent
by the streaming platform, which also adds that it will be possible "to
continue streaming on your personal devices or signing into your Netflix
account on a new TV (for example, in a hotel or vacation home)".
According to Netflix, it will also be possible to check the
activity of devices associated with the account on a new page, as well as
transfer a profile - "anyone who uses your account can transfer a profile
to a new membership paid for by it" - and buy one additional membership
option for an additional €3.99 per month.
In the statement released on the 8th, Netflix said that it
has always facilitated account sharing "between people who live in the
same house", but noted that these features - of different profiles and
simultaneous screens - "generated some confusion about when and how
Netflix can be shared".
"Over the last year, we have explored different
approaches to solving this problem in Latin America and now the time has come
to extend the implementation of this functionality, starting today, to other
countries such as Canada, New Zealand, Portugal, and Spain . Our focus has been
on giving our members control over who has access to their account".
Deadline
If, until the 21st of February, the location is not defined
by the user, the service will define it automatically "based on the IP
address, device ID and account activity", states Netflix, which highlights
an important caveat: "If you have multiple Wi-Fi networks, it is possible
that only one is recognised with your primary location. Devices connected to
Wi-Fi networks from different ISP accounts or having different external IP
addresses may be blocked and blocked from watching Netflix. Make sure you set
or update your primary location from a device connected to your preferred or
most commonly used Wi-Fi network".
Further detailing how it detects whether a device belongs to
a main location, Netflix says that "it uses information, such as IP
addresses, device identifiers, and account activity, to determine whether a
device logged in to your account is associated with your primary
location". The service emphasises that it does not collect GPS data to
determine the physical location of your devices.
Price increases
As of February 21, the pricing of Netflix plans will be
updated, providing a Base plan (7.99 euros/month), Standard (11.99 euros/month)
or Premium (15.33 euros/month). You can only add one additional member if you
subscribe to the Standard plan and two if you subscribe to the Premium plan.
I should hope that Netflix would charge for 'shared' accounts!!
By Susan Korthase from Lisbon on 11 Feb 2023, 18:28