DStv will start limiting streaming services to only one device effective March 22, 2022, in Kenya and other African markets.
Streaming companies have been grappling with how to deal with users who share log-in information with others, denying them revenues from the group of people who view the content for free or pay a fee to the subscribing clients.
“As part of our ongoing efforts to counteract password sharing and piracy, while continuing to bring you the best viewing experience, we will be introducing measures to limit concurrent streaming,” said DStv.
The move is aimed at curbing fraud and revenue loss from the customers reselling their viewing rights or giving them to others for free.
It will, however, not limit the number of people using a login but instead, limit (to one) the number of people who can stream at the same time.
DStv, a subsidiary of Multichoice Group, allows existing customers to link their accounts to online streaming platforms that can be accessed through an application as well as on a website, enabling customers to view their favorite channels at home or elsewhere.
According to Multichoice Group, the number of devices registered for streaming will not be affected hence customers are still allowed four registered devices for streaming and still have the option to download content on selected devices for offline viewing, as a way to allow for more than one family member to enjoy DStv at the same time.
The move to limit streaming to one device at a time will make it harder for subscribing customers to share or sell their viewing rights to others.
Streaming companies have been grappling with how to deal with users who share log-in information with others, denying them revenues from the group of people who view the content for free or pay a fee to the subscribing clients.
