Netflix Confirms Crackdown on Password Sharing in the United States, Plans to Roll Out New Measures in Q2

Netflix has confirmed its plans to crack down on password sharing in the United States, following months of testing and experimentation. The company has been working on ways to block users from sharing their accounts with those outside their households and testing ways to charge for account sharing.

According to a letter sent out to Netflix shareholders, the company will begin a "broad rollout" of these measures, including the United States, starting in Q2 of this year. The first quarter saw the launch of paid sharing in four countries, and Netflix is said to be pleased with the results.

The new rules will require subscribers to set a "primary location" for their account and create an extra member for those living at a separate address. The exact timing of the rollout remains uncertain, but it could happen any time over the next two months or so.

The crackdown on password sharing comes as Netflix seeks to crack down on account misuse and increase revenue. The company has spent years encouraging password sharing but is now taking steps to ensure that subscribers are paying for the services they use.

In addition to the password-sharing measures, Netflix has officially announced the discontinuation of its mail-in DVD service, which launched the company well before the rise of streaming. The company is also adding 1080p streaming to its ad-supported plan, an upgrade from the previous 720p limit.