How Netflix, HBO May Benefit From Illegal Password-Sharing

There may be good reason HBO and Netflix have professed little concern over customers who lend subscription passwords to those who don’t pay the monthly fees to access their programming.

While execs have said their own internal data suggests such activity is minimal — contrary to growing media attention — a new survey indicates password-sharing may be more pervasive than they are letting on — and that it might even be a good thing.