Sharing TV streaming passwords is illegal, says UK copyright watchdog

Article in today's online Guardian:

www.theguardian.com/media/2022/dec/21/sharing-tv-streaming-passwords-is-says-uk-copyright-watchdog

The IPO {Intellectual Property Office} had originally explicitly used the phrase “password sharing on streaming services” in its guidance published on Monday, but subsequently changed the phrase to “accessing … without paying a subscription”.

Netflix estimates that more than 100m households access its services for free globally via password sharing, including as many as 4 million subscribers in the UK, which it has tolerated despite being in breach of its terms and conditions.

Earlier this year the company announced plans to crack down on the practice by offering subscribers the option to add extra “sub-accounts” or “extra members” for a small extra monthly fee.

This plan, which Netflix is introducing as one of a number of moves to boost revenues as the global streaming boom grinds to a halt, is expected to be introduced in Britain next year.

The IPO said the practice of password sharing was a criminal and civil offence and those doing it could theoretically face prosecution.

Subscriptions range from £6.99 to £15.99 per month. So if you are one of those households, factor that into your budgeting for next year.

Can someone please tell Nadine Dorries?