Free ride on Netflix nearing end

Netflix plans to enforce ban on password sharing, with methods that might make privacy advocates uncomfortable.

The streaming service, which used to encourage people to share their passwords, now estimates that over 100 million users are watching for free, which is starting to make an impact on revenue. By the end of March, it says, the free ride will be over, according to website Fast Company.

Widespread account sharing undermines our long term ability to invest in and improve Netflix, the company wrote to shareholders. We have worked hard to build new features that improves the experience, it read.

To monitor account sharing, Netflix could adapt location tracking tools. Apart from verification methods, Netflix plans to use information such as IP addresses, device IDs, and account activity to determine account credibility. While it raises questions for people who watch Netflix on the go, Netflix said subscribers can request a temporary code, while paid subscribers will have to connect to their primary wi-fi once every 31 days.