Sharing your Netflix password is now a federal crime

WLS logo
Monday, July 11, 2016
(Shutterstock)
Shutterstock

Sharing your online passwords for an online service like Netflix and HBO Go is now a federal crime, according to a recent court ruling.



According to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit, a user cannot circumvent a computer system's security measures by "going through the back door and accessing the computer through a third party" per the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act.



It comes from an unrelated case last week involving an employee who left a company with passwords.



Although illegal, it's unlikely you will be prosecuted for letting someone else use your password.

Copyright © 2025 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.