‘Test for prohibiting sharing of multiple users outside the family’
On the 11th, in a foreign media report related to Netflix
Various online community reactions
“Will give more subscribers” Advantages of cost performance ↓
Some even support the company’s position
卝蹂몃nat湲 븘씠肄
[아시아경제 차민영 기자] “I used it because the cost performance (price/performance) was good, but if I block the 4 player pot (party) in the future, I will also cancel it.” Heo Jun-hyun (pseudonym), who has shared one account with three former coworkers, enjoyed movies and American dramas through Netflix on weekends and holidays. This is because even if you use a premium plan of 14,500 won per month, which allows simultaneous viewing on multiple devices, you only have to pay about 3,600 won per person. However, I already use IPTV at home, and I think it’s a waste to pay all the fixed amount as I only use it on weekends.
On the 11th (local time) foreign media reports that Netflix is testing a policy to prevent multiple users from sharing accounts and passwords other than family members, Korean consumers reacted with anger and curiosity. Earlier, The Streamables, McRumor, CNBC and others said that Netflix sent a message to some consumers saying, “If you don’t live with the account owner, you need a unique account to watch,” and asked them to open a new account.
Various reactions such as anger and surprise continued in the domestic online community. One user complained, “When you enter Netflix, it’s normal to turn off only the thumbnail (photo for preview) and the storyline after 20 minutes, but it’s ridiculous to pay 15,000 won each to do that.” Another user said, “I don’t have the latest drama, but if I ban sharing (account), I will terminate it immediately.” On the other hand, other users sent support, saying, “It doesn’t make money from a company’s point of view, but it will only cost a lot because there are only a lot of subscriptions.”
Account sharing is a similar trend not only in Korea but also worldwide. According to Majid, a global research firm, 33% of Netflix users say they share an account with more than one person. Netflix’s Basic Plan subscription is $8.99 per month, and the Standard Plan subscription that allows simultaneous viewing on multiple devices is $13.99. Users are sharing a single account with several people, including family and friends, with the company’s implicit consent. It has also become commonplace to find people to share accounts in anonymous online communities.
A Netflix official said, “Netflix is conducting hundreds of tests with specific consumers every year.” “I explained. “The test is to ensure the viewing rights of Netflix members,” he added.
The change in Netflix’s tone and related foreign media have come up with various interpretations. CNBC pointed out that “Netflix has not been very involved in password sharing as the growth in subscribers and the rise in stock prices offset concerns about lost sales.” The Streamable said, “As the related industry transitions to maturity, there have been observations that companies will become more aggressive with regard to password sharing policies.”
However, the view that it is questionable about the effectiveness of password restrictions is more prevalent. The Streamable said, “In addition to Netflix, various global streaming services such as Disney Plus, Apple TV Plus, and HBO Max are in fierce competition for subscribers.” It is directly connected.”
Reporter Cha Min-young [email protected]