People on social media have figured out how to get round Netflix’s password-sharing crackdown
Netflix has finally begun its crackdown on password sharing, having told its users that they can no longer share their account details with people outside of their households.
The streaming giant is putting the new restrictions in place in a bid to encourage people to take out their own Netflix accounts, in the wake of them facing strong competition from the likes of Disney Plus and Amazon Prime.
Naturally, it’s prompted users to try and find ways around the password-sharing dilemma – with hacks popping up across social media in a bid to keep the practice going.
One method, in particular, has got people talking – but just what does it involve?
How to get round Netflix password-sharing crackdown
According to Reddit’s Unethical Life Pro Tips, the hack which has become popular in recent weeks involves a technique called ‘tunnelling’ – which allows multiple people to connect from the same IP address.
While a Netflix account is for use by one household only, NordVPN has a feature called Meshnet, which allows users to look as though they are only using one address to connect to the account.
Instead of routing the traffic through a VPN server, users can route it via the TV or a laptop to give the impression that everyone connected is in the same location.
NordVPN said: ‘Meshnet lets you create your own VPN server through your own or your friends’ devices, no matter where they are in the world.’
It’s more commonly used for sharing files or creating a LAN for online games. – but can also be used to connect to a specific IP address. Users can invite up to 10 friends to be part of their ‘family’ as well as extending invitations to 50 friends.
The connection between ‘friends’ is encrypted – meaning that it’s difficult to detect whether a Netflix account is being shared.
How to get Meshnet
You’ll need to have the NordVPN app on your devices to get access to Meshnet – which can be used without a paid membership to the app.
To enable Meshnet, you need to turn on the NordVPN app, log in if prompted and turn on the Meshnet toggle, which will be on the left hand side of the screen.
If you want to enable traffic routing, choose the Route Traffic option for a list of devices you can do this through.
All the other devices signed into your account will be able to access your NordVPN – giving the impression they are accessing the Internet from your TV or laptop.
To add external devices, you can send invitations straight from the NordVPN app. Select Link Devices, then add in the email address.
When did Netflix stop password sharing?
Netflix’s crackdown began on Tuesday May 23, with the company telling users in an email: ‘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.
‘We recognise that our members have many entertainment choices.
‘It’s why we continue to invest heavily in a wide variety of new films and TV programmes – so whatever your taste, mood or language and whoever you’re watching with, there’s always something satisfying to watch on Netflix.’
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