Netflix's basic plan, which cost 7.99 euros per month, was recently eliminated from the list of options available for new subscriptions. However, those who are currently subscribed to this plan will be able to keep it until they decide to change or cancel it. Once the change has been made, it will no longer be possible to return to the deleted basic plan. The remaining alternatives include the Standard plan with Advertising, at a cost of 5.49 euros per month, the Standard plan without advertising at 12.99 euros per month and the Premium plan at 17.99 euros per month.
Reasons for removing Netflix's basic plan
This change has sparked several discussions for at least three main reasons. First, the plan with advertising, although cheaper, does not offer the ability to download content for offline viewing, a feature previously available in the basic plan for 7.99 euros. Those who want the ability to watch content without an Internet connection, for example during a plane trip, will be forced to switch to the 12.99 euro plan.
Second, the decision to allow current subscribers to keep their plan until they decide to change or cancel it can be seen as an implicit obligation to keep the subscription active. This because, if you suspend your subscription even for just one month, you will be forced to pay more when you reactivate it or to switch to a plan that does not offer downloads and has advertisements.
The third reason for concern concerns the 5.49 euro plan, which requires users to accept full profiling in order to enjoy targeted content. Essentially, the user must agree to share their data, which has an approximate value of 2.5 euros per month, in exchange for the difference in cost between the basic plan, now eliminated, and the plan with advertising. Those who particularly care about their privacy and do not wish to share their viewing and searching habits with Netflix will be forced to switch to the 12.99 euro plan.
Although it is not a price increase in absolute terms, this change could be perceived by many users as a forced choice: either you accept profiling and advertisements or you remain tied to the defunct basic plan of 7.99 euros or you opt for a higher cost.
