BBC iPlayer users will have to use personal logins from early 2017
The public broadcaster says the move will make its services more personalised and localised
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Anyone using the BBC iPlayer app from early 2017 onwards will be required to use a personal login, with the broadcaster saying the move will make its services more personalised and localised.
Known as BBC ID - users of the corporation services can already create a personal account which is not yet required for accessing iPlayer videos.
Current BBC ID account holders will have to add a postcode to their personal information from Tuesday to continue accessing more personalised content.
TV licencing authorities will have access to the personal information, but the BBC states this will not be used for enforcement reasons.
The BBC Director General, Tony Hall, said: "By learning about what you want and like we can take you to more of the great programmes you love, stories you might be interested in and content you might otherwise never have discovered.
"This is a real transformation - reinventing public service broadcasting for the digital age."
From 1 September, viewers have had to confirm they have a TV licence before they can watch catch up shows.
Up to now, only live content has been covered by the £145.50 annual licence fee, with online viewers having to confirm they have paid before they can watch a live feed of BBC channels.
According to the public broadcaster, around seven million BBC ID accounts currently exist.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments