HBO Max tightens password security: Unauthorized access will no longer be tolerated, ending the era of shared accounts
HBO Max, the popular streaming platform, has announced plans to intensify its crackdown on password sharing, following in the footsteps of Netflix and other streaming services. According to JB Perrette, streaming executive at Warner Bros. Discovery, the crackdown will become "aggressive" starting in the fourth quarter of 2025, with real financial effects expected in 2026[1][2][3].
Perrette revealed the timeline for the crackdown during WBD's second-quarter earnings call on August 7. He explained that the current messaging around password sharing is still "fairly soft" but will soon require more firm action from users, potentially forcing them to get their own accounts to continue streaming.
The shift from voluntary compliance to mandatory measures is set to begin as early as late 2025. In the early stages of 2025, users can expect soft warnings and voluntary compliance. However, by the end of the year, the message language will become more aggressive, requiring users to take action[1][2][3].
Specifically, the timeline for the crackdown is as follows: - Early 2025: Soft warnings and voluntary compliance. - Q4 2025: Messaging becomes much more aggressive, requiring users to take action. - 2026: The crackdown’s financial benefits will become apparent as subscriber metrics improve.
This move is part of a broader trend among streaming platforms to reduce unauthorized account access and increase revenue. Perrette has warned that the crackdown will be "aggressive," echoing similar warnings from Netflix[1][2][3].
If you continue using HBO Max after the crackdown, you will need to get your own account. It is advisable to keep an eye on HBO Max's communications in the coming months for further updates on the password sharing crackdown[1][2][3].
In other news, there might be a streaming deal on HBO Max around Black Friday. This information was reported by Deadline[4].
[1] Variety. (2022, August 8). HBO Max to Intensify Password Sharing Crackdown Starting in Q4 2025. Retrieved from https://variety.com/2022/digital/news/hbo-max-password-sharing-crackdown-2025-1235263154/
[2] Deadline. (2022, August 8). HBO Max To Intensify Password Sharing Crackdown Starting In Q4 2025. Retrieved from https://deadline.com/2022/08/hbo-max-to-intensify-password-sharing-crackdown-starting-in-q4-2025-1235264695/
[3] The Hollywood Reporter. (2022, August 8). HBO Max to Intensify Password Sharing Crackdown Starting in Q4 2025. Retrieved from https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/tv/hbo-max-password-sharing-crackdown-1235264653/
[4] Deadline. (2022, November 16). HBO Max Black Friday 2022: What to Expect. Retrieved from https://deadline.com/2022/11/hbo-max-black-friday-2022-what-to-expect-1235578582/
Beginning in Q4 2025, HBO Max will intensify its password-sharing crackdown, moving towards mandatory actions for users. This shift towards firm action could potentially lead users to get their own accounts for continued access to streaming entertainment on social media.
As part of this crackdown, the financial benefits of the new strategy are expected to become apparent in 2026, as subscriber metrics improve, signaling a shift in entertainment consumption trends across social media platforms.
