Netflix users are no longer allowed to share their accounts with people outside their household. The only exception is adding an additional member for an additional charge. But how does Netflix actually recognize account sharing?
Sharing streaming accounts with friends or family has long been common practice – especially to save costs. But recently, many services have begun to put a stop to this practice.
Due to growing economic pressures, the company decided last year to charge a premium for account sharing. In order to check whether everyone is complying, the group has introduced some technical measures.
How does Netflix detect account sharing?
Basically, a Netflix account is intended for people who live together in one Household life. Everyone else has to create their own account to see the provider’s content. Depending on the subscription, a Netflix household includes a certain number of devices that are connected to the Internet in the location where the account is used most frequently.
To detect whether multiple people share an account, Netflix uses a number of technical methods. First, the company monitors the IP addresses of its users. Because every device that is connected to the Internet is recorded in a log – including its rough location. If Netflix notices that an account is frequently used by several different IP addresses that are far apart from each other, this may be an indication of account sharing.
Netflix also monitors certain device information. Smart TVs, smartphones and laptops send specific information that allows Netflix to determine whether users are suddenly logging in with unknown devices.
Geolocation is also used. Using location data, Netflix can detect whether a user is moving within a certain geographical area. This provides the streaming provider with further indication that account sharing is currently taking place. Usage behavior is also monitored: If several streams are started at the same time from different locations, this is a clear indication that an account is being used by several people.
This is how you can bypass the ban on account sharing
Since Netflix began regulating account sharing, various tips and tricks have been circulating online to circumvent the procedure. First, users can create one additional membership space pay. It costs 4.99 euros per person and is considered the official way to continue sharing an account.
However, there is also a way to circumvent account sharing: via VPN services. This allows you to disguise your IP address and trick Netflix into thinking that all users are in the same geographical area. However, the company also tries to prevent this by blocking some VPN services or trying to detect their servers.
Additionally, it is possible to limit the use of the account to just a few devices. Since Netflix continuously monitors usage behavior, it is important that the medium is regularly in the same location. This way, there is less chance of account sharing being exposed.
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The article How does Netflix actually recognize account sharing? by Beatrice Bode first appeared on BASIC thinking. Follow us too Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
As a Tech Industry expert, I can say that Netflix uses a variety of methods to recognize account sharing. One common way is through IP address tracking, which allows Netflix to see if multiple devices are accessing the same account from different locations. They may also use algorithms to detect unusual viewing patterns, such as a sudden increase in the number of devices streaming content from the same account.
Additionally, Netflix may monitor user behavior, such as the number of profiles created on an account or the frequency of login attempts. If they detect suspicious activity, they may prompt users to verify their identity through email or text message verification.
Overall, Netflix takes account sharing seriously and has measures in place to detect and prevent unauthorized access. While sharing accounts with family or close friends is generally allowed within reason, sharing accounts with too many people or across multiple households can lead to account suspension or termination.
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