Streaming giant Netflix is to trial a crackdown on password sharing.
Netflix is trying to crack down on ineligible users, and if the trial is a success, it could be rolled out across the UK.
A number of users have started seeing a screen saying, “If you don’t live with the owner of this account, you need your own account to keep watching.”
In the trial, users can verify they are allowed to access the account by a code, sent via text or email.
A spokesperson told the BBC: “This test is designed to help ensure that people using Netflix accounts are authorised to do so.”
Most streaming platforms available allow users to create multiple profiles within the account, but the terms and conditions specify they are meant to be used by people in the household.
In October 2019, chief product officer Greg Peters said the company was looking at the issue of password sharing, but said it had no “big plans to announce at this time in terms of doing something differently there”.
Netflix gained almost 37 million new subscribers in 2020 and now has more than 200 million subscribers around the world.
It recently increased prices, with those looking to watch shows in Ultra HD having to now pay £13.99 a month – which is more than the licence fee.
A man who asked a police officer who he believed to be a 12-year-old boy to send sexually explicit photographs of themselves has been sentenced.
Michael Rogers, 26, was arrested by members of Nottinghamshire Police’s Paedophile Online Investigation team after striking up an on-line conversation with an undercover officer in July 2019.
Believing that officer to be a boy of just 12 years old he engaged in sexualised conversations and asked for an explicit image to be sent to him.
After moving in to arrest Rogers, officers seized and searched a range of electronic devices.
On them they found around 70 indecent images of children, ten of which were rated as Category A – a classification reserved for the most serious acts of sexual abuse perpetrated against children.
Rogers told officers that he’d send his initial message out of curiosity and instantly regretted what he had done.
He later admitted to charges of attempting to engage in sexual communications with a child, making indecent images of children, and possessing a prohibited image of a child.
The charges of making indecent images related to the act of saving explicit material onto his electronic devices.
Appearing at Nottingham Crown Court on Tuesday (March 9) Rogers, of Valeside Gardens, Colwick, was handed a two-year community order and will have to attend 60 rehabilitation sessions.
He will also be subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order for a period of five years, which will strictly limit his on-line activities and give police officers the power to make regular checks on his behaviour.
He was also added to the sexual offences register for a period of five years.
Detective Constable Peter Chappell, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “Rogers came to our attention during the routine on-line conversations we carry out to keep children safe from harm.
“His intention to engage in sexualised chat with a child could not have been clearer, and it was largely a result of good fortune (for us at least) that he ended up in conversation with a police officer.
“We put in a lot of effort behind the scenes to prevent this kind of offending and to safeguard potential victims. I hope this case will serve as a warning to others who are either committing or thinking about committing these types of offences: we are getting better all the time at tracing and catching you.
“Once we have evidence we will arrest you and we will ensure you are prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”
A rail firm has said it ‘has no plans’ to reintroduce a direct train to Matlock from Carlton Station – despite pleas from passengers.
Many rail users got in touch with Gedling Eye last week after we revealed the train to the Peak District would be removed in May following the introduction of a new timetable by East Midlands Railway.
A direct route to Crewe and Stoke-on-Trent would be taking its place. Those wanting to go to Matlock would now have to change at Nottingham.
Readers got in touch saying the route could have been better advertised or asked if it could be reintroduced during the school holidays.
Netherfield resident Richard West said: “I want this service to stay in place. Now I know about it I would definitely use it. It’s probably not that well used because nobody knew about.
Laura Thomas, from Carlton, emailed. She wrote: “Is there any way East Midlands Railway could reintroduce this over the summer like the Skegness service. It’s great for getting the kids out into Derbyshire and places like Gulliver’s Kingdom.
“I don’t have a car so now this service is being removed it limits my options around what can be done in the school holidays.”
A train leaving Carlton Station
Ben Hope, from Gedling, said: “I really don’t understand who from round here wants to go to Crewe over Matlock. The story you did has made people aware of the service – and now they want to use it. I hope they have a rething before removing it as it could be quite lucrative now that people are aware.
Gedling Eye contacted East Midlands Railways and put forward requests from our readers.
They said they have ‘no plans to operate direct summer services or reinstate the direct link at this time’.
They said there will be consultations into timetable changes in the coming years and residents can feed into that process.
The spokesman said: “Overall, our May timetable change provides more seats, quicker journeys and a simpler and more resilient timetable for passengers.
“This includes the introduction of an additional train every hour between Nottingham and Derby as well as additional weekday evening services between Nottingham, Newark Castle and Lincoln.
“By extending our services from Crewe and Stoke-on-Trent through to Nottingham and Newark Castle we are introducing new direct journey opportunities between some of the largest towns and cities on our network.
“Passengers travelling to Matlock from stations east of Nottingham will need to change services at Nottingham.”
Police say they have arrested four suspects following reports of a group of people fighting with weapons in Netherfield.
Officers said they were called to the disturbance in Meadow Road just after 8.40pm yesterday (Tuesday, March 9, 2021).
It was reported that numerous weapons were used during the incident.
A man suffered a suspected broken arm and a woman suffered a cut to her head. Both were taken to hospital.
Police quickly carried out enquiries in the area resulting in the arrests of a 38-year-old man, 18-year-old woman, and two boys, aged 17 and 15, on suspicion of affray and grievous bodily harm with intent. They remain in custody.
Reassurance patrols will be taking place in the area as police continue with their investigation to understand the full circumstances of the incident and carry out their enquiries.
Detective Inspector Nick Hall, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “We take incidents of disorder such as this very seriously. The use of weapons and violence is totally unacceptable and we will always look to take robust action against those who commit such offences.
“While we have already made arrests, our enquiries remain in their early stages and we’re appealing for anyone who witnessed this incident, anyone who may have captured CCTV or dashcam footage or anyone who has any information to please come talk to us.
“If you can help with our investigation please call 101, quoting incident number 769 of 9 March 2021, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”
An interactive map produced by the Office for National Statistics shows the number of deaths where Covid-19 was the underlying (main) cause on the death certificate in every neighbourhood across Gedling borough.
The latest figures cover deaths registered between March 2020 to January 2021.
With 35 deaths, Gedling South has taken over from Woodthorpe and Arno Vale at the top of the fatality list in Gedling borough during this period.
It’s followed by Woodthorpe & Arno Vale (29), Gedling North (23), Burton Joyce & Lambley (22) and Mapperley Park (21)
Netherfield & Colwick recorded the lowest number of deaths during the period, with six being recorded.
Here’s the latest borough neighbourhood figures (March 2020 – January 2021):
Royal Mail has issued a warning to residents in Gedling borough about two scams currently doing the rounds.
Scam texts and emails are being sent targeting people’s bank accounts.
The dodgy messages ask the customer to hand over their personal and bank information or they will fail to have their parcel delivered.
One of the scams circulating by text and email tells people to make payments to make sure their parcels can get delivered.
The text states: “Royal Mail: your package has a £2.99 shipping fee, to pay this now visit.”
“Actions will be taken if you do not pay this fee,” the text adds.
It then links to a fake Royal Mail website to trick people into giving their details.
Royal Mail is warning people not to be fooled.
IMAGE: Action Fraud
Royal Mail said: “Royal Mail will only send email and SMS notifications to customers where the sender has requested this when using our trackable products that offer this service.
“The only time we would ask customers to make a payment in an email or SMS is if a customs fee is due.
“In this case, we will also leave a grey card telling them there’s a fee to pay, either for the international customs fee or a surcharge for an underpaid item, before we can release the item.
“This may arrive later than the email or SMS.”
Another scam has been reported by 1,700 people to Action Fraud.
It involves emails which claim a parcel has not been delivered.
The message warns that the “package” will be returned to the sender if personal details including card number, security code, sort code, account number and mother’s maiden name are not added to a form.
ActionFraud tweeted: “Watch out for these fake Royal Mail emails.
“They’ve been reported to us over 1,700 times…Help us remove malicious emails and websites like these by forwarding suspicious emails to: report@phishing.gov.uk.”
Royal Mail advice on how to spot a scam:
Check at the top. Fraudsters often use subjects or greetings that are impersonal and general, like “Attention Royal Mail Customer”.
They may use a forged email address in the “from” field like “delivery@royalmail.com”.
They may even use the Royal Mail logo.
The sender, subject and content may change slightly but often they:
state there’s a parcel waiting to be collected
ask for payment before an item can be released for delivery
prompts you to open a link or document
asks you to send a text message or call a phone premium rate phone number
Protect your information
Never send sensitive, personal information, security details or credit card numbers by email
Never click on a link in an email if you are unsure about it, especially if it asks for personal financial information, this might attempt to install malware on to your computer
Make sure you have a spam filter on your email account
If you receive a suspicious email or discover a Royal Mail branded website which you think is fraudulent, let them know by completing an online form.
If you have been the victim of a payment scam, you can get a crime reference number by reporting it to your local police station.
Angry parents at an Arnold school are desperate for irresponsible dog owners to stop their pets from fouling the area where their kids walk and play.
Parents of children at Pinewood Infant School, in Killisick, are angry that dogs are repeatedly allowed to defecate on Pinewood Avenue outside their children’s school.
The final straw came when a number of children began walking dog mess into their classroom after walking into school.
They have now called on Gedling Borough Councillors for Coppice Ward Henry Wheeler and Marje Paling to take action.
Cllr Henry Wheeler told Gedling Eye: “We have received very serious reports about increased dog fouling next to Pinewood Infants School in Killisick”
PICTURED: Pinewood Avenue
“Not clearing up dog mess is totally unacceptable behaviour and will not be tolerated.
“The person or persons not clearing up the dog mess are totally irresponsible and are also potentially putting children at risk of catching toxocariasis from infected dog mess. This is a rare infection caused by roundworm parasites and children can catch it from infected animal poo after innocently putting their hands in their mouths, after handling soil or shoes contaminated with animal poo, including dog mess”.
The councillors have now asked Gedling Borough Council neighbourhood wardens to step up patrols in the area.
The wardens have also put warning stencils on the pavement and a banner on the school fence reminding people they will be fined £1,000 if caught.
Councillor Wheeler added: We would urge anyone who sees someone letting a dog poo and not clearing it up, to report this to Gedling Borough Council immediately.
People across Gedling borough are starting to receive letters about the Census 2021 survey – but are being warned not to ignore it, as they could end up with a £1,000 fine.
Census day is on March 21, but households will now be receiving letters with online codes explaining how they can complete their forms.
If you don’t take part, you could be fined up to £1,000 as it’s a legal requirement for each household to fill out the census.
Supplying incorrect information is also a criminal offence, so make sure your answers are accurate.
However, not all questions are mandatory – for example, you don’t need to answer questions about your sexual orientation, gender, and religion.
If you don’t get one in the next couple of weeks, please get in touch with the census contact centre. You can also request a paper questionnaire if you’d prefer to complete your census that way.
Local census support centres will be open while the census is happening. Staff will offer help for people not confident online, who don’t have a computer or need help completing on paper.
The census is a once-in-a-decade survey that gives us the most accurate estimate of all the people and households in England and Wales.
It has been carried out every decade since 1801, with the exception of 1941.
For more information, and to find out how to get help, visit census.gov.uk or call the contact centre on 0800 141 2021.
From bringing your own pen to having a one-way system, local elections in Gedling borough will look a little different this year.
But in spite of Covid-19, people across the borough will still be able to go to the polls to have their say on who represents them on Nottinghamshire County Council.
Voters have a range of options for casting their ballot – in person, by post or by appointing someone they trust to vote in their place, known as a proxy vote.
The deadline to apply for a postal vote is 5pm on April 20, and for a proxy vote the deadline is 5pm on April 27.
For those who choose to vote in person, polling stations will be safe places to vote on May 6. Voters are encouraged to keep themselves and others safe by:
Wearing a face covering
Bringing their own pen or pencil
Cleaning their hands when entering and leaving the polling station
Keeping a safe distance
Election organisers are asking voters not to attend the polling station if they have symptoms of Covid-19, or if they have been asked to self-isolate.
There will be provisions in place to apply for an emergency proxy vote if required due to health circumstances.
Ailsa Irvine, director of Electoral Administration and Guidance at the Electoral Commission said: “The choice on how to vote at the elections is yours – you can have your say in person, by post or by proxy. However, you choose to cast your vote in May, you will be able to do so safely.
“If you’re voting in person, help keep yourself and others safe by following the safety measures that will be in place at the polling station.
“If you decide to vote by post, don’t wait until the deadline to apply. Sending your application now will make sure it is processed early, and your postal vote can be sent to you more quickly once the candidates for the election are confirmed. It’s easy to apply and you can find out how by visiting the Electoral Commission website.”
The deadline to register to vote for the May 2021 elections is midnight on Monday 19 April 19.
For further information on elections in their area, how to register to vote, or how to apply to vote by post or by proxy, voters can visit www.electoralcommission.org.uk/voter. This page will continue to be updated ahead of the polls.
Nottinghamshire Police has been awarded £600k to try to steer young people away from violence.
It will also use the funding to deliver targeted enforcement activity in the county’s ‘key violence hotspots’.
The funding amounts to £588k and is part of a £130m pot unlocked by the Home Office to tackle serious violent crime – including murder and knife crime – in the coming year.
The county’s Police and Crime Commissioner Paddy Tipping today welcomed the grant.
Mr Tipping said: “I’ve been calling for additional funding to tackle serious violence for some time and news of Nottinghamshire’s slice of this investment is most welcome.
“We have forged a close-knit team with our partners and this is already delivering impressive results, with recent ONS figures confirming a four per cent reduction in knife crime across the county in the year to September 2020 – outperforming the national reduction of three per cent.
“This is always more to do, however, and those who carry knives and are intent on causing harm through violence should know there will be little place to hide with these extra resources.
PICTURED: Tom Randall welcomed news of the grant being awarded to Nottinghamshire Police
“Alongside a robust enforcement response, we will continue to do everything possible through the work of the Violence Reduction Unit (VRU) and our community providers to prevent young people from being drawn to violence in the first place – and supporting those already in its grip.
“I want everyone who lives, works or visits Nottinghamshire to feel safe but this is a long-term mission which requires many more resources and investment in the future.”
Gedling MP Tom Randall said the money would tackle the violent crime ‘that has been robbing too many young people of their future”.
He said: “This funding ensures our police have all of the tools and resources they need to tackle violent crime and address its underlying causes in our community, whilst also funding vital early intervention programmes that do positive preventative work with children and young people.
“By backing our police with the funding, powers and resources they need, this Conservative Government is keeping the public and our communities safe, so that residents across Gedling can live their lives free from the fear of crime.”
The funding comes ahead of the introduction of a major criminal justice bill which, among many reforms, will give police new stop and search powers to tackle known knife and weapons carriers.
