The Netflix video-on-demand app will no longer work on the millions of Android devices that have been rooted – a method of allowing kernel access for side-loaded and other programs that could enable piracy.
Android Police reported that the Android Netflix app was showing “Your device isn’t compatible with this version” on rooted devices. It also seems that devices with custom ROMs to carrier unlock may be affected.
Netflix is not coming down hard on rooting – its explanation is simple.
"With our latest 5.0 release, we now fully rely on the Widevine DRM provided by Google; therefore, many devices that are not Google-certified or have been altered will no longer work with our latest app and those users will no longer see the Netflix app in the Play Store," it says.
{loadposition ray}Simply put, Netflix and other mainstream apps like Pokemon Go will no longer work with devices that are not Google Certified and meet all Android requirements.
Apparently earlier Netflix versions 4.x still work but eventually will be locked out.
Netflix has been criticised for enforcing country border bans (neutralising use of VPNs), enforcing DRM in 4K browsers (like MS Edge) and now enforcing DRM on Android.
But to be fair that is Netflix’s business – the distribution of other companies licenced video content at reasonable prices.
For most of its users, it has helped “cut the cable” and provide a variety of affordable content.