Have you shared your Netflix, Hulu Plus, or Rhapsody password with a friend? While it might seem harmless, this type of activity could now land you in some legal trouble in Tennessee.Gov. Bill Haslam this week signed a bill that would make it illegal to share your password on subscription-based entertainment services like Netflix, Pandora, or Hulu Plus. As the AP explained, the bill is intended to stop hackers who sell batches of passwords, but it could extend to the average user who lets friends or family members watch a movie using their Netflix login or listen to music streams on Rhapsody.
"What becomes not legal is if you send your username and password to all your friends so they can get free subscriptions," bill sponsor Rep. Gerald McCormick, a Republican, told the AP.
The bill, H.B. 1783, was first introduced in February and signed by the governor on Monday. It goes into effect on July 1. Violations that involve services valued at $500 or less will be classified as a misdemeanor and involve a $2,500 fine and up to a year in jail. It would be considered a felony if the value is between $500 and $1,000, or if it's the person's second offense.
The bill received the support of the Recording Industry Association of America, which said the measure will help protect artists. Read More
