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

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by msmash

February 26, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

HBO Max is set to expand its global crackdown on password sharing in 2026, marking a significant shift in how the streaming service manages account usage. Initially implemented in the U.S. in late August of last year, HBO Max introduced a new policy allowing subscribers to add an additional out-of-household account for $7.99 per month. This move followed months of testing by Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) to identify legitimate users and enforce stricter access controls. The company’s CEO, JB Perrette, described the plan as an effort to ensure that only authorized individuals benefit from shared accounts. During its fourth-quarter 2025 earnings call, WBD confirmed that these restrictions will soon be rolled out worldwide. This decision was part of a broader strategy to enhance HBO Max’s growth by curbing unauthorized sharing, which has proven to be a lucrative tactic for increasing both revenue and subscriptions. The approach mirrors Netflix’s successful password-sharing crackdown in 2024, which resulted in a 9 million subscriber boost. However, while such measures can drive short-term gains, they often face backlash from frustrated users and do not guarantee consistent growth. This strategy reflects a broader industry trend among streaming services to tighten control over shared accounts, as companies seek to maximize their revenue streams. HBO Max’s move is particularly notable given the potential global scale of its implementation, which could set a precedent for other platforms. The company appears willing to trade off some user dissatisfaction for the financial benefits of curbing unauthorized access. As password-sharing crackdowns become more common, they are likely to remain a contentious yet potentially lucrative tool in the streaming wars.

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Originally published on Slashdot on 2/26/2026