On Tuesday, Netflix blocked the distribution of passwords in the United States and more than 100 other countries, warning users that their accounts cannot be freely shared outside the family.
Netflix said it was sending password distribution emails to customers in 103 countries and territories. The emails say that one Netflix account should only be used in one household. Paying customers can add an out-of-home member for an additional fee.
It is likely that the platform is using a person's geographic location, as determined by the IP address of each Internet-connected device, to understand which people are considered "family" members living together.
People can add sub-accounts for up to two people they don't live with, each with their own profile, personalized recommendations and personal password.
