New Law Makes Netflix Password Sharing Illegal

Jun 5, 2011 08:00 PM

Have you been sharing your Netflix password with your friends? How about Rhapsody or Hulu Plus? If you get caught sharing your online subscription accounts, you could be slapped with a fine and even imprisoned.

The bill was recently passed in the state of Tennessee, making it illegal to share your password for online "entertainment subscription services" on or after July 1st. Pushed by recording industry officials, the bill was signed by Gov. Bill Haslam and ostensibly designed to stop hackers from stealing and selling passwords in bulk, but it could also target individuals who share their password with family and friends.

Tennessee is the first state to address Internet delivery entertainment in its legislation. It expands the current theft-of-cable laws with Senate Bill 1659 and its subsequent amendment, which states that stealing $500 or less of entertainment is a misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in jail and a fine of $2,500.

Sure, laws like this should be in place for thieves, but it's a hefty penalty for sharing your passwords with family. Maybe someday the other forty-nine states will enact this kind of law, until then... stay away from the "Volunteer State".

Photo by Tarter Time Photography, Keith Allison

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