Chums could soon be forced to stop sharing Netflix passwords between themselves - as the streaming platform has launched tests to end the practice.

The site is trialling software that asks users if they live with the account holder.

They are then told to plug in a code sent to them by text or email before being allowed to continue to watching films and programmes.

The message reads: "If you don't live with the owner of this account, you need your own account to keep watching."

Netflix - which streams hit series such as The Crown, Bridgerton and Ozark - says it carries out "hundreds" of similar trials every year to try to tackle the password sharing.

A number of different profiles can be created on the platform, but its terms and conditions state the service "may not be shared with individuals beyond your household".

A spokesperson said: "This test is designed to help ensure that people using Netflix accounts are authorised to do so."

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