Amazon Prime Video throws shade at Netflix for new password-sharing guidelines

LG OLED TV Netflix Originals.
(Image credit: Nick Sutrich / Android Central)

What you need to know

  • Amazon Prime U.K. disses Netflix over its once claim that "love is sharing a password."
  • Netflix has been rolling out its new plan to crack down on users sharing passwords with others since 2023 rolled in.
  • Users must fork over some additional cash if they're sharing a password with someone who does not live in their home.

Shade is bring thrown, and it's for a reason many users can probably get behind after Netflix brought its new password-sharing crackdown to the United States.

Amazon Prime U.K. tweeted a singular image that reads, "Who's watching?" followed by multiple user profiles lined up to say, "Everyone who has our password," followed by a heart.

This comes as a response to a Tweet Netflix made back in 2017 to which the company stated, "Love is sharing a password." That love must not be as strong anymore as Netflix has continued to take steps toward a future where users cannot share their passwords with others unless they feel like forking over more money.

The Los Gatos-based company's decision to crack down on user password sharing with those not living in their "primary household" has been quite controversial. You could even say the video streaming industry was built on the back of password sharing, something Netflix might be foolish to let go of.

Nonetheless, Netflix first discussed its impending plan to reduce that chance back in October 2022. It was then we first learned about the company's plan to introduce "sub-accounts," a way for the primary account holder to pay for extra users on their account that don't live with them.

Since then, Netflix rolled out the sub-accounts to Canada, New Zealand, Portugal, and Spain. Most recently, these new changes have started to arrive in the U.S., and with that, some new guidelines. In its announcement, the company stated that a Netflix account "is for use by one household. Everyone living in that household can use Netflix wherever they are — at home, on the go, on holiday — and take advantage of new features like Transfer Profile and Manage Access and Devices."

These additional accounts will cost a person an extra $7.99 per month on top of whatever you're paying for your desired plan. It's a tough pill to swallow, and we're left feeling a little unloved if you catch our drift.

Although, it's not as if password sharing had ever been a problem for other streaming services or even Netflix, in particular. Netflix co-founder Reed Hastings, at one point in time, said he liked seeing people share their passwords with one another. On a lighter note, it doesn't seem like Amazon Prime is taking away users' ability to share their passwords anytime soon.

Nickolas Diaz
News Writer

Nickolas is always excited about tech and getting his hands on it. Writing for him can vary from delivering the latest tech story to scribbling in his journal. When Nickolas isn't hitting a story, he's often grinding away at a game or chilling with a book in his hand.

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  • Claude Gohier
    I've learned that when a company disses a competitor, it means they're about 6 months away from doing the same.
    Reply
  • fuzzylumpkin
    Claude Gohier said:
    I've learned that when a company disses a competitor, it means they're about 6 months away from doing the same.
    Samsung taught me this!

    Netflix needs the shade though.
    Reply
  • mustang7757
    Claude Gohier said:
    I've learned that when a company disses a competitor, it means they're about 6 months away from doing the same.
    Lol agree
    Reply
  • parksanim
    They're about to find out just how many people will continue to pay for their boring movie formulas. Here in South Korea, there are entire websites set up to help you find a trustable account-sharing partner. Most of the country shares passwords 2 or 3 ways. Netflix investors had better get ready for the pain. Better dump it now.
    Reply
  • VeroHumanist
    I don't know whether password sharing is cutting into their profits but I know that anytime I have shared a password (typically with grandchildren) in cases where I would not ever pay for an extra account. I think of kids away at college or my son in law traveling. The Netflix "rules" are irrational.
    Reply
  • EdwardMatthew
    VeroHumanist said:
    I don't know whether password sharing is cutting into their profits but I know that anytime I have shared a password (typically with grandchildren) in cases where I would not ever pay for an extra account. I think of kids away at college or my son in law traveling. The Netflix "rules" are irrational.
    It was reported that Netflix made decent profits in Q2 2023. Their stock price closed at $475 on July 18, which is its all-time high price. Netflix stock prices were between $300-$345 in Q1, which improved significantly in Q2. The password-sharing crackdown was countered with Netflix's new feature of profile sharing.
    Now a Netflix user can migrate his/her profile to another account with a single click.
    Reply