Curiously, the announcement failed to clarify whether they will continue to verify devices that try to use Netflix outside of this primary network, such as when a paying profile member travels. The new statement says that “members can still easily watch Netflix on their personal devices or log into a new TV.” However, they had previously said that a verification process will take place if they do, and the Netflix Help Center page that announced this has been wiped. As we at /Film previously reported, it had said:
“When a device outside of your household signs in to an account or is used persistently, we may ask you to verify that device before it can be used to watch Netflix or switch your Netflix household.”
It’s unclear whether Netflix is walking back on this decision or if they still plan to implement it in the future. Regardless, these new plans to squash persistent password-sharing might be a double-edged sword. Sure, an extra six bucks for a $20-per-month Netflix subscription might not be too terribly bad of an uptick, but that also begs a certain question. Is Netflix’s American catalog worth this much money to stick around for, and will the catalogs of other countries still be available using a VPN? That looks to be undetermined for right now, and here’s to hoping we’ll get the answer sooner rather than later.