Hollywood Studios Seek Legal Action Against Rising Streaming Prices and Piracy

The cost of streaming services has been raising, leading to concerns among consumers and Hollywood studios alike. As prices soar, more people are turning to piracy as a cheaper alternative to access their favorite content.

A recent report highlighted the staggering amount the average American spends on subscription streaming services each year, nearing a thousand dollars. This surge in costs is largely due to significant price hikes by major streaming platforms.

Apple TV+ was among the first to raise its prices, followed by Disney, Hulu, Warner Bros., and Netflix. These increases, ranging from 20% to a whopping 75%, have left many consumers feeling the pinch and seeking alternatives to save money.

In response to the rising tide of piracy, major Hollywood studios are urging Congress to pass tougher laws to combat the problem. The Motion Picture Association (MPA), representing giants like Paramount, Sony, Universal, and Disney, is leading the charge.

CEO Charles Rivkin is advocating for the ability to compel internet service providers (ISPs) to block access to pirate websites. Rivkin believes that blocking these sites is important in disrupting the connection between pirates and their audience, thus curbing piracy rates.

This push for legal action echoes a similar attempt in 2012 when the MPA lobbied for the Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA). The bill faced strong opposition from advocates of free speech, leading to widespread protests and its eventual abandonment.

With the failed attempt in the past, Hollywood studios are determined to revive efforts to combat piracy through legislative means. Whether these proposed measures will be effective remains uncertain, given the challenges and controversies surrounding online censorship and free expression.