Warner Bros. Discovery has initiated a password-sharing crackdown on its Max service, mirroring Netflix's approach. Starting now, sharing beyond the household will require a new paid option to curb unauthorized use and increase revenue.

The new policy allows sharing accounts only within the same household. Subscribers can opt for an additional paid option called the Extra Member Add-On for streamlined access for additional users outside their home.

The Extra Member Add-On costs $7.99 per month. This feature lets users share their account with one additional member, providing them a separate profile while maintaining similar streaming quality.

With the Extra Member Add-On, the additional user enjoys full access to Max's library and features. They can stream on any device, but only one can be active at a time.

Max will implement technical measures to identify unauthorized access attempts. Users sharing passwords will face restrictions or be prompted to take up the Extra Member option to continue their service.

The crackdown may frustrate many who previously shared accounts freely. However, it aims to align Max with industry norms and ensure sustainable revenue as content costs rise.

Warner Bros. Discovery will assess the policy's impact on subscriber behavior. This significant shift signals a possible change in industry standards towards stricter account management and service evaluations.