It’s one of the most popular TV and film streaming services, but Netflix has announced that it’s about to cancel hundreds of thousands of accounts.
Netflix will delete the accounts of customers who haven’t watched anything in a year or more, which it calls ‘zombie accounts.’
It explained: “You know that sinking feeling when you realise you signed up for something but haven’t used it in ages? At Netflix, the last thing we want is people paying for something they’re not using.”
The streaming service will ask these customers if they wish to keep their subscription, and if they don’t hear back, will cancel their account.
Netflix says it has already started notifying customers who haven’t streamed anything in 12 months.
According to Netflix, inactive accounts represent a few hundred thousands users, which is less than 1% of its overall member base.
Netflix reassures that it will be easy for those whose accounts have been cancelled to rejoin the platform should they wish to.
Those who choose to rejoin within 10 months of cancelling will still be able to access their favourites, profiles, account details and preferences, according to Netflix.
Eddy Wu, director of Product Innovation at Netflix, said: “In the meantime, we hope this new approach saves people some hard earned cash.”
How to make sure your Netflix account is safe
If you're an active Netflix user, thankfully your account is safe.
Meanwhile, if you haven't watched anything on the platform for over a year, Netflix will contact you to ask if you'd like to keep your account.
If it doesn't hear back from you, it will automatically cancel your subscription.
