Netflix’s password update has Aussies threatening to quit the streaming service

Netflix has announced plans to make it harder for people to share the same account and Aussies aren’t happy with this update at all.

Mary Madigan

3 min read

May 24, 2023 - 3:36PM

Netflix's password policy change could impact millions of Australians

Netflix has sent Aussies into a fury after the streaming service announced it was cracking down on password sharing.

The streaming service is about to introduce a new technology to stop numerous people from all using the same account.

An email is due to arrive in the inbox of Netflix subscribers on Wednesday. It will alert them to their IP address being used to determine whether all of the account users live under the same roof.

If someone is using the account from another location, they will be kicked off. So, if you are piggybacking off anyone else’s account you will find yourself unable to binge your favourite shows.

Some people online are so furious about the change they are calling it a thinly veiled “price increase” rather than just a standard crackdown on multiple users benefiting from the same account.

Netflix have upset Aussies with its latest move. Picture: Patrick T. FALLON / AFP

The news has got plenty of Aussies fired up and they’ve taken to Twitter to rage about the changes.

“How to lose more customers 101,” someone tweeted.

“Bye, Netflix. The content is rubbish of late,” another wrote in response to the big news.

“Netflix has begun cracking down on password sharing in Australia, in hopes to drive revenue, though it will probably drive people to piracy sites,” another tweeted.

“They’ll be out of business in a matter of a couple of years,” another Aussie added.

“Your new password policy is a bad effing joke. People who like to use your service on the go are likely to be dissuaded by your policies, and I, for one, am ready to drop you the second I get hit with an undeserved/accidental overcharge,” someone raged.

“Netflix is up to their s**t again trying to fight password sharing AM I NOT ALREADY PUNISHED ENOUGH IN THE CAPITALIST HELLSCAPE,” another fumed.

“Netflix you still cracking down on password sharing? Oh, we will all drop y’all so fast,” another threatened.

Some Aussies are all for the crackdown. Picture: istock

Interestingly not all Aussies were against the crackdown.

“Those poor scabs,” someone mocked.

Someone even ventured online to shame those that are using people’s accounts but not paying Netflix for the service.

“I wonder why people that share/use Netflix passwords don’t see it as illegal, like stealing from a shop etc.? Bet they tell their kids how bad it is to steal sweets from the shop,” another wrote. “How exactly is Netflix Australia cracking down on password sharing ‘controversial’? “Everyone know the terms you agree to with Netflix…,” another tweeted.

To counter this crackdown Netflix has added a new payment plan. Users can add an “extra member” to standard or premium plans for an additional $7.99 a month.

However that means Aussies will be stuck shelling out more for the same service during a cost of living crisis.

Subscribers will start receiving emails this week announcing the crackdown on account sharing. Picture: Netflix

Subscribers will be able to pay an additional $7.99 to allow one extra member to use their account. Picture: Netflix

Netflix brought in the subscription changes in Canada and New Zealand in February.

It prompted backlash from outraged customers on social media and sparked a wave of account cancellations.

However, the streaming service bounced back with subscribers using the “extra member” service and borrowers activating their own accounts.

The same is expected to occur among Australian users with subscribers likely to consider whether the expense is worthwhile with soaring cost of living pressures.

Netflix subscriptions currently cost between $6.99 and $22.99 a month. Picture: Netflix

The monthly price of a subscription in Australia starts at $6.99 a month to watch the service’s movie and TV offerings with advertisements and 1080p video quality.

Users can pay an additional $4 per month for a basic plan without any advertisements and 720p video quality.

At $16.99 a month, subscribers can get ad-free viewing with 1080p video.