We asked, you told us: If Netflix restricts account sharing, you'll leave

Netflix was recently spotted testing a new way to limit account sharing on its platform. The test indicates that the streaming service may soon require you to verify if you live in the same household as the account owner. The company has had this policy for a long time but hasn’t implemented it just yet.

If the test indeed results in restrictions on account sharing, people who watch Netflix through someone else’s account could lose access to the service or be forced to chase the account holder for verification codes. They might also have to sign-up independently and pay for a new Netflix account for continued access.

So we asked you, our readers, what would you do if Netflix discontinues account sharing? Would you stick around and get a new Netflix account to watch, or would you stop streaming on the platform? Here’s what you had to say.

Would you sign up for Netflix if the service discontinues account sharing?

Results

A majority of our readers (83.8%) voted against signing up for a new Netflix account if sharing is discontinued. Only 16.1% of the total 1,050 voters said they’d be forced to sign up for Netflix independently if the service discontinues account sharing.

Comments from our readers paint a clearer picture of why they don’t like the idea of restricted account sharing on Netflix. Some people make very valid points that Netflix ought to take note of before implementing any limitations.

Your comments

• Nix: That just seems like another unnecessary step. So now, if you want to use your friend or family’s Netflix, you gotta bug them for the code. It’s not gonna stop account sharing at all. Even if it shows them using it at a different IP, how would you know if it’s the account owner simply visiting someone else and watching Netflix there? I think it’s dumb, but I never use Netflix so it obviously doesn’t affect me.
• Tom Zeppa: Funny how people are saying they’ll cut the service, despite the fact that the competitors already don’t allow account sharing. Maybe they plan to give up television and find a new hobby.
• Chris Vanderheyden: Yeah, wonder how they will enforce that on kids who live with divorced parents… Will they need to change accounts every week?
• Benjamin Eng: I share my account with my parents who live nearby but in a separate home. If Netflix insists on us having separate accounts they can jolly well go and pound sand.
• Inno Cent: Account Sharing is actually fun, Watching movies with families, friends, and loved ones. If this is taken down, huge loss to Netflix ’cause I will try something else.
• Jan Vagn Kristensen Høegh: They could learn from Disney Plus where you can be up to 7 users and No rules for those 7 to be under the same roof.
• Roberto Suarez: Sooner or later, they will have to start their own Netflix account. I just hope Netflix will pass the “profit” back to us. I mean lowering the monthly fee.