Netflix users who share their accounts with other households are starting to be asked to pay extra for the privilege.
The streaming giant is testing new technology which asks subscribers to pay an extra fee if it detects people living at different addresses logging into the same account.
Although Netflix's terms don't allow users living apart to share an account, the firm has long tolerated the practice which has led to password sharing.
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Netflix's most expensive price plan lets up to four screens view different shows at the same time, meaning anybody with access to a viewer's password has been able to watch for free.
The company said it would soon start testing new features that let subscribers pay to add "sub accounts" for up to two people they do not live with. It is testing the changes in Chile, Costa Rica, and Peru, with the extra accounts costing 30% to 40% of a basic membership, our sister Mirror site reports.
In Ireland, a €2.99 a month charge would mean a subscriber on the most expensive plan pay €23.98 a month for two people living elsewhere.
Netflix this week announced it will be raising the price of its subscription packages for new and existing members.
The basic plan will increase by €1 a month to €7.99, while the standard plan will go up €2 from €12.99 to €14.99.
While the 'premium' plan -which allows accounts to stream TV shows and movies on four devices at the same time -is going up from €17.99 to €20.99.
The raised prices apply immediately to new customers, while existing customers will be given 30 days’ notice.
A spokesperson for Netflix said that the company has significant productions underway in Ireland.
"Our updated prices reflect the investment we have made in our service and catalogue, and will allow us to continue making the series, documentaries and films our members love as well as investing in talent and the creative industry
"We offer a range of plans so members can choose a price that works best for them," a spokesperson said.
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