Netflix To Reduce Streaming Quality In Europe Amid Pandemic

Netflix will reduce streaming quality in Europe for 30 days to reduce the strain on the internet due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The European commissioner for internal market and services tweeted Wednesday he'd spoken with Netflix's CEO about the strain high-definition video streaming was having on networks as more and more people are staying inside.

Following those discussions, Netflix announced on Thursday it will "begin reducing bit rates across all [its] streams in Europe" to help lessen the burden. It said it estimates the change "will reduce Netflix traffic on European networks by around 25% while also ensuring a good quality service for our members."

The commissioner praised the "very prompt action" Netflix took, saying the move would help "preserve the smooth functioning of the Internet during the Covid-19 crisis."