HBO Max’s password-sharing crackdown is going global
The Verge
February 26, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
HBO Max is expanding its crackdown on password sharing globally, with Warner Bros. Discovery revealing plans to roll out stricter measures worldwide starting in 2026. The company has already implemented aggressive prompts in the U.S., encouraging users to pay an additional $7.99 per month to add more users to their accounts. This initiative follows HBO Max's regional launches in Europe, Latin America, and other areas, with further expansions planned for the UK, Ireland, and Asia-Pacific.
The move reflects Warner Bros. Discovery's strategy to reduce password sharing, which has long been a challenge for streaming services aiming to maximize revenue. By introducing paid sharing options, the company is attempting to monetize shared accounts more effectively while encouraging users to subscribe individually. This approach aligns with broader trends in the tech industry, where platforms are increasingly focusing on eliminating unauthorized sharing to protect their content libraries and subscriber base.
This shift matters significantly for tech enthusiasts and industry watchers, as it highlights HBO Max's strategic pivot toward maximizing profitability. The global expansion of paid sharing initiatives underscores the growing importance of revenue optimization in the highly competitive streaming landscape. As other platforms like Netflix have also explored similar strategies, HBO Max's approach will likely influence how the market evolves, offering insights into effective monetization tactics for both companies and consumers.
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Originally published on The Verge on 2/26/2026