Netflix is testing a feature which cracks down on account password sharing

Netflix is trialling a feature that may lead to a crackdown on password sharing among users of the video streaming service.

When opening the streaming platform, some users have reported being met with a screen reading: “If you don’t live with the owner of this account, you need your own account to keep watching.”

Viewers are then reportedly given the opportunity to verify their identity through a code sent to the account’s owner, or can choose to finish the verification process later.

A Netflix spokesperson said: “This test is designed to help ensure that people using Netflix accounts are authorised to do so.”

35% of millennials share passwords for streaming services

Netflix has previously said it is happy for account holders to share passwords, with CEO Reed Hastings saying in 2016 that the company had “no plans” to be strict on the matter.

“Password sharing is something you have to learn to live with because there’s so much legitimate password sharing, like you sharing with your spouse, with your kids,” Mr Hastings said.

“So there’s no bright line, and we’re doing fine as is.”