Netflix has started targeting password-sharing by rolling out a system that charges fees for "extra member" sub-accounts when people outside one household use the same membership.
It was initially launched as a test in select Latin American countries last year after a decade-long global membership decline.
The new policy is being rolled out in Canada, New Zealand, Portugal, and Spain, and plans for inclusion in other countries, including the US, are expected soon.
According to a government survey in Australia, one in four Australians admit to sharing their streaming video account with others.
Netflix reports an estimated 100 million people around the world use shared accounts, impacting Netflix's ability to invest in new programming content while still adhering to its rules.
The BBC News noted that extra fees will be charged for anyone who wants to continue sharing their subscription with individuals outside their households, with The Independent adding that the program that allows account sharing for a fee is aimed at encouraging people to pay up.
On the other hand, Reuters reported that Netflix is giving more control to its members by allowing them to manage who has access to their account and transfer their profiles to a new account while also watching Netflix on personal devices or logging into a new TV. The Guardian mentioned that as part of the crackdown, users will be required to open the app and stream something on every connected device on the home network at least once every 30 days, adding another level of security to password-protected accounts.