Sharing Netflix password could technically be a crime

Published July 12, 2016 12:18 PM EDT

If you share a Netflix password you could be committing a federal crime.

The U.S. Court of Appeals issued a ruling which makes password-sharing a federal offense under the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act.

Although sharing passwords to online services like Netflix and HBO GO is illegal, it's unlikely you'll be prosecuted.

Netflix has previously said that it's okay with users sharing passwords.