If you use another person's Netflix password - your sister or friend for example - then you need to read carefully, as you may no longer enjoy this privilege.

CNN reports that the broadcast giant is testing a new option that could help it stop password sharing. Netflix is ??making announcements asking users to verify that they are authorized to use the account.

"This test was created to ensure that people using a Netflix account are authorized to do so," a Netflix spokesman said in a statement.

The terms of service of the company say that the accounts "cannot be used by individuals beyond your family".

When a user selects their profile on a shared Netflix account, a pop-up option will ask them to verify the account by confirming it with a text or email. Users can choose to verify it later, in which case the pop-up will reappear indefinitely. If they cannot confirm that they are an authorized user, they will be asked to create a new account.

The new feature is just a test and is being extended to a limited number of Netflix TV users.

The update comes as Netflix viewership increased sharply during the pandemic. The platform reached 200 million users last month. But the company may face challenges in keeping pace as people are spending less time at home during 2021 compared to a year ago.

Netflix and other streaming platforms have been dealing with how to handle password hacking for years - and if they should be concerned about trying to prevent it.

Sources: CNN, C | Net