It’s been over a month since Netflix announced the end of free shared accounts. Needless to say that set an important precedent in the industry. At the moment it is the only ‘big’ platform to do so, but this could change in the future.
And it is that once Netflix itself solves its initial problems to locate users, perhaps more will join the proposal. Be careful, we do not want to say that plans are known in this regard, but Several platforms already indicate it in their conditions and based on this they could at any time present impediments as Netflix does now.
Many already prohibit it in their conditions, although they turn a blind eye
When several months ago Netflix began a pilot test in Latin America strictly preventing account sharing, we already predicted the end of shared accounts. However, on that occasion we already remember that Netflix already contemplated that possibility in its conditions of use. And not in the new ones, no. In the usual
If we take a look at the neighbors of Netflix, we see that other platforms already indicate it in a similar way in their conditions of use, despite the fact that until now they have not raised their voices knowing that They are not putting measures to prevent it. And for sample, a button.
If we look at the conditions of use from HBO Max, include a section called “Authorized users”. In it they precisely talk about the fact that the service cannot be used by people who are not direct relatives or cohabitants of the owner of the account.
“Once you have set up an HBO Max Account, you will have the option to add up to five (5) authorized user profiles to the account (the “Authorized Users”). We may limit the maximum number of Authorized Users that you may add or who can use the Platform simultaneously. Only your direct relatives or the people with whom you live may be authorized Users.“
Is HBO Max just a coincidence? So let’s look at the conditions filming. In one of his sections, he talks about the fact that his service is reserved for the domestic sphere. And here they are especially clear regarding the home, not even allowing access to relatives if they do not live in the same place.
“The possibility of enjoying the Services on different screens does not imply that the Client can share his FILMIN account with people outside his strictly domestic sphere, understanding this as those people who permanently reside at the same address as the Client. Therefore both, andThe Client may not share their access data and use of the Services with people with whom they do not live in a stable manner, be they family, friends or third parties. Likewise, both the Client who directly shares their credentials with people outside their strictly domestic sphere and those who do so through digital service sharing services will not comply with the provisions of this point.”
The new platforms are also positioned at this point and if not, let them tell SkyShowtime. In their conditions they talk about sharing the login data with people outside the home as a reason for which they can cancel the service contract. Specifically, it offers a list of reasons and the last point, which is the sixth, literally says the following:
“Sharing your login details with others outside your household, accessing or attempting to access the accounts of other SkyShowtime users (other than members of your household) or tampering with the security measures of the services.”
The “exceptional” cases of Apple TV +, Amazon Prime Video and Disney +
We start talking about a very particular case such as Apple TV + when linked to an Apple ID. This is the “universal” account that the apple company offers to all users of its products and that is indivisible in the case of the streaming platform.
That is someone who shares your Apple TV+ account is also sharing a lot of other data from your Apple account such as your contacts, iCloud content, photos, videos, notes… Therefore, it already seems much less interesting to share this account than on other platforms. Although by proxy, it could, since there is a gap in this part according to the conditions that Apple exposes.
Although doing so implies sharing the entire account, Prime Video clearly allows account sharing.
Another particular case is that of Amazon Prime Video. This subscription is not offered on an individual basis, but is included in the ‘Prime’ subscription along with other advantages such as fast and free shipping or Amazon Prime Music. Thus, the entire account would have to be shared so that another person could access the video service.
That being said, the Amazon Prime Video conditions do not establish any restrictions on sharing an account. In fact, In a way, they take this possibility into account.. They do not literally say that they allow it, but it can be guessed from what is written in point 6g of the conditions, where they literally speak of “other people who use the service”.
“Disputes/Terms of Use. Any dispute or claim arising out of or relating to this Agreement or the Service is subject to applicable law, the disclaimer of warranties and limitation of liability, binding arbitration, and the disclaimer to class actions (if applicable), and all other terms of Amazon’s Terms of Use for its Video Marketplace (see here).By using the Service, orYou agree to these terms on behalf of yourself and all members of your household and others who use the Service with your account. YOU MAY ALSO BE ENTITLED TO CERTAIN CONSUMER PROTECTION RIGHTS UNDER THE LAWS OF YOUR LOCAL JURISDICTION.”
Disney + does not limit it, although they have given indications of studying this possibility.
Disney+ is somewhat more ambiguous in this. Literally, their conditions do not speak of preventing account sharing. At any given time, if they talk about the maximum number of simultaneous reproductions and how the platform reserves the right to modify that point. Perhaps the matter of sharing accounts could come in there, although as the others indicated, The Walt Disney platform does not affirm it.
Survey sent by Disney+ a year ago in which they reveal their interest in knowing the details of shared accounts
Of course, almost a year ago Disney + issued a series of surveys to some users regarding sharing accounts. And this served as clear indication that they are considering that possibility. And if they decide to ‘mark a Netflix’, they must change the conditions or explain well at what point in their conditions they allow a restriction of this type.
Be that as it may, it seems more than evident that most platforms have the power to apply their rules to prevent account sharing. The social commotion that Netflix has raised and the lack of a system that is accurate and effective may have slowed down the passage of some. For now, the bases are already laid.
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