Netflix has finally called in the password-sharing police, cracking down on their users and leaving them without the means to see the Love Is Blind finale.
But fear not, for human ingenuity knows no bounds! A few clever Netflix users have managed to outsmart the system, much to the chagrin of the streaming giant.
The Evening Standard reported that a few users discovered a clever yet sneaky loophole to bypass the now-infamous password-sharing ban. It seems like Netflix underestimated the power of determination and the desire to binge-watch mindless reality shows.
Gotta give these people props for reminding us that where there’s a will, there’s always a way!
The password-sharing ban is nothing new.
In fact, Netflix implemented its policy against password sharing, following a testing phase that started last year. If you haven’t already dealt with it, the new rule prohibits Netflix account holders from freely sharing their passwords with others. Instead, if someone else wishes to access the account, the account holder has to pay an additional $3 monthly fee.
While many people expressed their dissatisfaction with this decision when the news first rolled out, Netflix proceeded with the ban. We suppose the bottom line can’t be ignored.
Unfortunately, if you’re someone who is relying on someone else’s Netflix account, you’ll no longer have the privilege of binge-watching The Great British Baking Show or Stranger Things unless you get your own account. Of course, if you’re lucky, you may be able to persuade the account owner to cough up that additional $3 per month for your enjoyment.
Again, where there’s a will, there’s a way.
As expected, it was only a matter of time before an alternative solution emerged from the deep, dark corners of the web. Recently, one method surfaced on the r/unethicallifeprotips subreddit community, offering Netflix moochers a seemingly straightforward approach, which is particularly good for those who are more technologically inclined.
The method essentially revolves around fooling Netflix into believing that you and the account holder are accessing the platform from the same location, even if you’re many states away. So how is it done? By utilizing a VPN (Virtual Private Network).
When you leverage the mesh network feature of a VPN, you can connect to the internet through a different network while maintaining the IP address associated with the account holder’s home internet connection.
Netflix works by monitoring the internet connection you use to access their service. So, naturally, if you try to connect to Netflix from a different city or even a different residence, your access will be restricted.
This unique approach creates the illusion that any and all users trying to access Netflix are doing so from a single shared internet connection. While this all might seem pretty basic, it remains uncertain whether the general population will resort to this sneaky method, potentially jeopardizing Netflix’s financial stability.
What we’re pretty certain of, however, is that once Netflix becomes aware of this workaround (if they haven’t already), they may implement new securities.
