HBO Max's Password-Sharing Crackdown Will Expand Globally in 2026

Source: Slashdot

Background

HBO Max will be cracking down on password sharing around the world. The streamer first started enforcing this policy in the United States in late August 2024. Subscribers are now able to add an additional out‑of‑household account for $7.99 per month. Prior to that change, Warner Bros. Discovery had been testing for months to determine who may or may not be a “legitimate user,” as described by JB Perrette, CEO and President for Warner Bros. Discovery Global Streaming and Games.

Expansion Plans

During the company’s fourth‑quarter earnings call for 2025, Warner Bros. Discovery announced that the streaming limitations will expand globally in 2026. The announcement was part of a discussion about the levers the company plans to pull to grow HBO Max.

Industry Context

Password‑sharing crackdowns have proven to be a lucrative way to boost both revenue and subscriptions. For example, Netflix saw 9 million additional subscribers after its first wave of password crackdowns in 2024. However, such measures do not guarantee consistent growth and often infuriate subscribers.

Source: Slashdot