HBO Max enthusiasts, along with their younger siblings, friends, and housemates, are facing some unfortunate news. Beginning in September, the streaming platform will enforce a stringent crackdown on password sharing.

This news comes from JB Perrette, Warner Bros. Discovery’s streaming chief. During the company’s Q2 earnings call, Perrette indicated that they now possess adequate data to effectively detect users accessing HBO Max beyond the paying households, as noted by PCMag. Those who have been sharing accounts will soon be obliged to secure their own subscriptions.

“We feel confident about where we stand,” Perrette remarked. “Starting in September, you’ll actually begin to see the messaging — which previously has been a relatively soft cancelable messaging — become more defined and require actions on people’s part, rather than it being a voluntary initiative.”

Password-sharing has been prevalent since the advent of streaming services. Previously, anyone with a paid account could share their login credentials with others, benefiting many former partners and roommates. However, streaming platforms soon recognized that they were foregoing potential subscriber revenue and began to tackle the issue of password sharing.

Currently, many streaming services restrict the number of devices allowed per account and confine accounts to users residing in the same household.

Netflix was the first to target those taking advantage of free access, and other platforms quickly followed suit. In April, HBO Max launched the Extra Member Add-On, which permits users to share their account with another for $7.99 monthly.

What steps can you take to navigate this streaming hurdle?

If you’ve been relying on someone else’s HBO Max login, this may signal the conclusion of the password-sharing phase. According to Perrette’s statements, users outside the specified household limits will need to establish a new account unless the account holder opts to pay an additional $7.99 monthly for continued access to HBO Max shows. Perhaps a parent’s unconditional support could lead them to bear the cost.

You might also want to monitor prospective HBO Max content to determine if subscribing is worthwhile. With the conclusion of And Just Like That…, fans of the Sex and the City revival may view the season finale as their farewell to HBO Max.

Alternatively, consider reverting to the traditional route of cable subscription. With streaming platforms raising prices and incorporating more advertisements, cable could be the most cost-effective option depending on your viewing preferences.