The BBC has added password controls to iPlayer, forcing viewers to register in order to watch its programmes.

From today iPlayer users will need to provide the BBC with their name, date of birth, email address and home address if they want to use the service. They will then have to log in when they want to watch something.

The broadcaster said the change will help it provide personalised recommendations and let viewers swap devices with ease.

"By finding out more about you and what you like we can make better content, make it more relevant, and bring it to you more effectively," said the BBC.