Netflix's crackdown on password sharing has officially reached the UK

We all hoped it might just be scaremongering, but the nightmare has since become oh so very real.

Netflix warning it will crack down on password sharing by charging additional users? Pah, empty threats - or so we thought.

Alas, the streaming giant has slammed down its mighty fists and some viewers - or 'borrowers' we should really say - in the UK and US are the next to find themselves plunged back into the dark years prior to 2007 where we had to rely on Freeview, a book or - heaven forbid - going for a walk outside to entertain ourselves.

Netflix users have taken to social media in rage, and hell hath no fury like someone who's just been blocked from viewing the final dramatic episode of Love is Blind.

The crackdown began in Latin America, spreading to Portugal and Spain, and after months of warning - we can't say we didn't see it coming - viewers in the US and UK are now no longer safe either.

You may have managed to cling onto your ex's login for the last couple of years - they were horrible to you, it only seemed fair - but now it's not even them who's going to notice and force you out, but Netflix itself.

If an account holder is suspected of sharing their password with people who don't live in their immediate household, they'll receive an email.

The email warns the account holder to change their details if they aren't aware others were using their account, 'transfer a profile' to a new membership or 'buy an extra member' for an extra £4.99 ($7.99) a month.

Netflix

On the other hand, if you've been sponging off someone else's account, you may be faced with a different loading screen next time you launch the platform on your TV.

The screen warns: "Netflix is meant for you and the people who live with you."

"[...] We'll help you confirm that this TV is part of your Netflix household."

And if it's not part of your household, well, bye bye all the series you're halfway through watching.

Netflix

And hey, I'm not just speaking from personal experience when I say the crackdown is sparking major panic - although I did have a minor breakdown when I turned on my TV today to be faced with the household confirmation page - because everyone else is taking to Twitter too.

One user said: "It's finally official. Netflix just sent out the email about account sharing..."

"Immediately cancelled Netflix after uninterrupted membership of 12 years. They knew sharing was part of their appeal and greed will cost them," a second added.

A third wrote: "That's me got the expected Netflix sharing email. P****s. We all ignoring it, aye?"

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A fourth said: "Just cancelled @netflix after getting that ridiculous email about account sharing. I look forward to the terrible earnings call #netflix."

And a final simply resolved: "They talking bout Netflix cracking down on sharing passwords. I'll sign somebody out their own account."

Why? I hear you cry. Well, Netflix's subscriber growth has been slowing down recently, so it hopes the crackdown will reverse that, encourage new signups, and boost profitability. Only time will tell.