Netflix: Account sharing to be charged by the end of June at the latest

Unlike in many other European countries, Netflix has not yet taken any measures against sharing an account in Germany. However, it has been clear for some time that this will happen. To investors, Netflix has now concretized the plans: by the end of June at the latest, additional costs are also to be incurred in this country.

Account sharing soon no longer free

Already a few months ago, Netflix announced its intention to take action against the sharing of access data. Since this practice is very widespread and would thus potentially affect a great many people, the planned measures represent a deep cut for the streaming platform. Netflix itself expects an enormous increase in paying customers. However, it is uncertain whether this plan will work out and whether a large part of the previously free viewers will actually be willing to pay for Netflix.

Netflix has already implemented the measures in many countries, but not in Germany so far. Interesting in this context is also the fact that Netflix rowed back in the meantime with regard to the severity of the measures, in order to subsequently reaffirm that it wants to crack down. From now on, accounts may only be shared with members of one’s own household. If additional people are to watch along, they can be added for a fee that is lower than the regular subscription price.

Implementation by the end of June

Adding to the uncertainty about Netflix’s actual willingness to implement has been the fact that while the streaming service has announced the goal, it has not presented a concrete implementation plan. That is exactly what has now changed. According to consistent media reports, Netflix has announced to investors that it intends to implement the measures by the end of the second quarter of the current year. In addition to Germany, the main market in the U.S. is also affected.

The prices for the new subscription or add-on options were already presented in February. Depending on the subscription model, they amount to EUR 3.99 or EUR 5.99 per person added.