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In the mid-2010s, everyone was sharing passwords. One study found that 95% of people shared up to six passwords, with about half of them being for various streaming sites. At the time, Netflix kept its chill. In 2017, the company even used it as a marketing tool, tweeting out, "love is sharing a password." But fast forward to 2023 and the era of free love and password sharing is (almost) over.
What changed?
Last year, the company lost subscribers for the first time in more than 10 years. Now, the streaming giant is done letting people share passwords with everyone from their fully grown adult kids to those kids' crusty exes. Turns out, more than 100 million users share Netflix accounts. And the company wants in on that money. In the coming year, it'll take cues from Hulu and HBO Max by offering a cheaper, ad-supported version for those that don't want to pay up. But to get them to do it, it's cutting off the freeloaders.
When do we have until?
There's no date yet. But yesterday, we got a preview of potential US changes based on Netflix's updates in Peru. Basically, Netflix might require your device to "check in" at least once a month on the home WiFi of your primary device. So unless you're making monthly trips back to your parents, take note. The company will also send a link to the email address or phone number of the primary account holder, with a four-digit code that will need to be entered on the 'untrusted' device within 15 minutes. No exceptions for being unable to step away from back-to-back episodes of "Ginny & Georgia."
theSkimm
Netflix is still the main character of the streaming world — boasting more than 230 million subscribers worldwide. But today, it's competing not only with the HBOs and Amazon Primes of the world...it's competing for eyeballs from apps like YouTube and TikTok. That means it's closing the chapter on password sharing...before its own storyline fades to black.
AP African American Studies. Yesterday, the College Board released its revised curriculum for the new Advanced Placement course. This college-level class — not yet available nationwide — explores how African Americans have shaped the country. It's being tested in 60 schools before it expands to more high schools next year. But last month, Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-FL) banned it, with his admin calling the framework a "woke" indoctrination. Now, topics like Black Lives Matter and reparations are no longer part of the course exam. Instead, they'll be on a list of optional subjects for student research projects. The revised curriculum also excluded authors, like Kimberlé W. Crenshaw and Ta-Nehisi Coates, whose works are associated with critical race theory and slavery reparations. Some reports accuse the College Board of caving to political pressure. But the org says the landmark course has been "shaped over years" by "scholars in the field, not political influence." It's unclear if DeSantis will reverse the ban given the course revisions.
What's taking a hike...
The Federal Reserve. Yesterday, it raised interest rates by 0.25 percentage point. It marks the eighth hike since the Fed started raising the roof on rates last March. But this time around, the central bank was less aggressive. That's because the agency acknowledged that inflation has gone down from 9.1% in June to 6.5% in December. So still high, but apparently not 'more than $5 for a dozen eggs' high. It comes days after the IMF said the global economy outlook is "less gloomy." But as Fed Chair Jerome Powell put it, "we have more work to do." In other words, don't be surprised when more hikes come in March. In the meantime, here is what the latest increase can mean for your wallet.
Who many are remembering...
Tyre Nichols. Yesterday, mourners gathered in Memphis to pay respect to the 29-year-old Black man. Nichols' funeral came nearly three weeks after he died at the hands of five now-former police officers. At the ceremony, Nichols' mom remembered her son as "beautiful." And called on lawmakers to pass the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act, saying if they don't "blood is going to be on their hands." The bill — which Democrats brought to a floor vote in June 2020 — would ban chokeholds in policing and put limits on use of force. But it stalled in the Senate in 2021 amid criticism that it aimed to "defund our law enforcement." Now, Vice President Kamala Harris — who spoke at the service — says that given Nichols' death, passing the bill is "nonnegotiable."
2. January's bestselling beauty products, reading essentials, and more. We rounded up all the items Skimm'rs added to cart the most these past few weeks, plus some of our absolute must-haves.
3. Valentine's Day candy, chocolate, and desserts for your special someone. Get ready for chocolate roses, candy hearts you can actually read, and samplers that'll have you (and your sweetie) reaching for more.
4. Women-owned brands to support during Black History Month and beyond. From self-care products to snacks, here are some of our faves. Check 'em out, add 'em to cart, and keep on supporting all year long.
Psst...looking for more discounts on brands Skimm'rs love? Check out all of our exclusive promo codes here.
On Our Radar
Valentine's Day gifts you can get on Amazon. You've got less than two weeks to snag a card, gift card, or date-night picks for the day of love.
Skimm'rs
We like to celebrate the wins, big and small. Let us know how your friends, neighbors, coworkers (and yes, even you) are making career moves, checking off goals, or making an impact in the community.
Hot topic…Maneta S (DC). She created Chef Papa's Peppers, an organic and homemade hot sauce that's been used in local restaurant industries for over 20 years.
(Some) Birthdays…theSkimm's Remi Bruell (CA), Laura Beggins (TX), Carolyn Becker (CA), Claire Bewley (AR), Michele Corigliano (UT), Radhika Dang (FL), Roy Caudill (PA), Diane Geiger (CA), Erin Collins (CO), Monelle Rougeau (TX), Mary Cherif (NY), Susan Kosilla (FL), Ben Silberberg (IL), Kirsten Kushniruk (WA)
PS: Paging all members of theSkimm. Reach out here for a chance to be featured.
Skimm'd by Rashaan Ayesh, Melanie De Lima, Maria del Carmen Corpus, Kate Gilhool, and Julie Shain
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