Live data from Hacker News

UK Govt: Netflix Password Sharing Is Illegal and Potentially Criminal Fraud

torrentfreak.com

11–20 of 23 posts

Re: UK Govt: Netflix Password Sharing Is Illegal and Potentially Criminal Fraud

#11

Earlier quoted context omitted.

But they have profiles, which are designed for not a single identity.

Not a single identity but a very well defined set, a household, I believe. So if you know you are not part of that allowed set (and you do know) that is still obtaining a service by deception, IMHO. The way it is defined, fraud is quite an extensive offence under British law if you start carefully looking at what people do.

> very well defined set, a household

What exactly is "very well defined" about a household? Are they using the IRS definition (obviously not, considering this applies worldwide)? Are unrelated people living together a household? What about families where kids are in college and come home for breaks? Domestic relationships that may or may not be recognized by a certain jurisdiction? What if some member is vacationing or traveling for work for extended periods? Or an extended family member (parents/grandparents) who lives with you for certain months of the year?

It's easy for Netflix to arbitrary say "yes" or "no" to any of these, but you are saying it should also be okay for the government to arrest and prosecute you for getting it wrong?

Re: UK Govt: Netflix Password Sharing Is Illegal and Potentially Criminal Fraud

#12
post #11

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Not a single identity but a very well defined set, a household, I believe. So if you know you are not part of that allowed set (and you do know) that is still obtaining a service by deception, IMHO. The way it is defined, fraud is quite an extensive offence under British law if you start carefully looking at what people do.

> very well defined set, a household What exactly is "very well defined" about a household? Are they using the IRS definition (obviously not, considering this applies worldwide)? Are unrelated people living together a household? What about families where kids are in college and come home for breaks? Domestic relationships that may or may not be recognized by a certain jurisdiction? What if some member is vacationing…

They define it quite clearly, though it's of course always possible to argue at the margin, but "password sharing" implies that the person knows they are not supposed to use the service, anyway.

I'm thinking the most common case is giving access to a friend a family member who does not live with you.

It's the act of knowingly 'cheating' that potentially brings you into fraud territory, IMHO.

Re: UK Govt: Netflix Password Sharing Is Illegal and Potentially Criminal Fraud

#15

Surely the UK have better things to worry about? Like a cost of living crisis?

I find these types of statements stupid.

Do you expect countries to focus on one thing at a time? Is it news that governments/companies have resources dedicated to solving different problems?

Re: UK Govt: Netflix Password Sharing Is Illegal and Potentially Criminal Fraud

#16

Surely the UK have better things to worry about? Like a cost of living crisis?

I find these types of statements stupid. Do you expect countries to focus on one thing at a time? Is it news that governments/companies have resources dedicated to solving different problems?

Well it sure feels like they work on the former and not the latter.

Re: UK Govt: Netflix Password Sharing Is Illegal and Potentially Criminal Fraud

#17

> Piracy is a major issue for the entertainment and creative industries. Pasting internet images into your social media, password sharing on streaming services and accessing the latest films, tv series or live sports events through kodi boxes, fire sticks or Apps without paying a subscription all break copyright law . Not only are you breaking the law but stopping someone earning a living from their hard work. Jesus.…

Click [here] to initiate your subscription for that quote. Failure to do so will result in legal consequences.

Re: UK Govt: Netflix Password Sharing Is Illegal and Potentially Criminal Fraud

#18

> Piracy is a major issue for the entertainment and creative industries. Pasting internet images into your social media, password sharing on streaming services and accessing the latest films, tv series or live sports events through kodi boxes, fire sticks or Apps without paying a subscription all break copyright law . Not only are you breaking the law but stopping someone earning a living from their hard work. Jesus.…

No post body was provided.

Re: UK Govt: Netflix Password Sharing Is Illegal and Potentially Criminal Fraud

#20

Earlier quoted context omitted.

But they have profiles, which are designed for not a single identity.

Not a single identity but a very well defined set, a household, I believe. So if you know you are not part of that allowed set (and you do know) that is still obtaining a service by deception, IMHO. The way it is defined, fraud is quite an extensive offence under British law if you start carefully looking at what people do.

What is not an extensive offence under British law at this point?
Post reply on HN