Netflix Users Pushed to Piracy After Being Forced into More Expensive Plans

As many users’ subscriptions come to an end, Netflix’s recent price increases are taking effect, and it’s not being well received.

Currently, Netflix maintains a monopoly on online streaming, boasting over 275 million paid subscribers globally as of 2024.

Despite facing increasing costs, controversial cancellations, and adopting streaming service bundles similar to cable TV, Netflix’s once stellar reputation has been tarnished in recent months.

The removal of its Basic plan, which was the most affordable option for an ad-free subscription, for new subscribers last summer caused even more frustration among users.

The company has recently raised the price of its Basic plan from $9.99 to $11.99 a month for existing customers. However, it has decided to completely discontinue this plan, forcing users to choose an alternative option.

Despite discussions of potential future price hikes, certain subscribers are expressing that they feel compelled to resort to illegal piracy in order to access their preferred television shows and films.

According to a customer who shared their experience on Reddit this week, Netflix made a change to their subscription plan without their consent. The customer received an email from Netflix informing them that the Basic plan will no longer be available and their new plan with advertisements will begin on October 3.

Netflix automatically changed my plan byu/TheGame81677 innetflix

“I have been paying $11.99 per month for ad-free content. I have been aware of this occurring in other countries and anticipated it would eventually happen in America.”

“They expressed, “The plan without ads has now increased to $15.49 per month, which is $3.50 more than before. I am frustrated that they continuously attempt to switch me to an ad plan without my consent. This has been going on for months.”

Another person responded, “I also received the email, but my switch to a different plan will happen in September. I plan on canceling once that change takes effect. I don’t use the service frequently enough to justify the increased monthly cost. The only reason I’ve kept it this long is because I was on the basic plan.”

“I received the email as well,”chimed in a third person. “I reached out to customer service and expressed my intention to cancel my subscription if I encountered any advertisements. I believe if more people voice their concerns, the company will reconsider this foolish plan.”

However, some individuals are resorting to more radical actions. As one person declared, “Instead of making any payments, simply pirate it. That sends the strongest message!”

Another person added, “This will force us to resort to pirating or using free streaming services. It’s worth noting that Netflix made a staggering 15 billion in gross profit in 2023. It’s hard to believe that they are in need of additional ad revenue.”

According to one Redditor, if prices for streaming services continue to increase, the industry may face a decline similar to that of cable.

“The prevalence of piracy is what led to the downfall of the flawed multi-subscription cable model. As individuals became frustrated or unable to afford it, they turned to piracy as a solution,”they stated.

“Cable was no longer profitable, but then Netflix proposed the idea of putting all our content in one place. We immediately saw the convenience and time-saving benefits compared to piracy.”

“It appears that no one has taken heed of the failure of the multi-subscription cable model; perhaps they require a reminder of the consequences of their greed.”

To learn more about this topic, be sure to read our thoughts on the controversy surrounding the piracy of Godzilla Minus One, and the reasoning behind the director of Deadpool & Wolverine intentionally pirating his own film.