Recent research from Parks Associates found that 11 percent of Netflix users are watching their shows on someone else’s account. Similarly, 10 percent of Hulu Plus users say they watch via an account not under their name. However, the research found that people don’t tend to share passwords when it comes to Amazon Prime, likely because doing so could authorize someone to make purchases from their account.
According to the study, “account sharing is highest among younger households.” In fact, more than 20 percent of Americans between 18-24 years old are using a streaming subscription paid for by someone not living within their home.
However, other research indicates that sharing account passwords is more widespread than 11 percent. According to a 2014 survey from the Consumer Reports National Research Center, 46 percent of Americans say they’re sharing their streaming media accounts with people outside of the home.
But is this legal, especially as online account sharing becomes increasingly more common?
To be short, the answer is yes — for now, because streaming services haven’t done much to prevent users from sharing accounts.
From the article "The one Netflix hack that is bringing families together" by Tyler Stahle, Deseret News.
DirecTV and its competitors, including Google’s (GOOGL, -0.34%) YouTube TV and Dish Network’s (DISH, +1.99%) Sling TV, sure seem like a better deal than cable. The cost is lower, the apps are capable,...
On top of that, the industry churn rate—a metric used to reflect cancelled subscriptions to streaming services overall—shot up 41% in Q1, the most recent statistic available, as consumers experimented...
The overall numbers have increased over time, based on research reports issued on a regular basis. In 2015, Parks Associates said that 10% of U.S. households with broadband used a streaming-service ac...
The analysis, compiled “360 Deep Dive: Account Sharing and Digital Piracy” by Park Associates, a research and consulting company that specializes in technology, found the amount of revenue lost will i...