Subscription sharing is a practice that allows several users to come together when paying for a subscription. streaming servicereducing the amount to be paid by each individual.
Among the websites offering to manage the connection and secure payment of these subscriptions, we have the French platform Sharesub. But is it legal? Here's the answer.
Is subscription sharing legal?
The answer is yes : the use of subscription sharing platforms such as Sharesub is legal !
Indeed, many subscription providers include terms and conditions of use in their contracts., allowing subscription sharing as long as the use is reasonable and does not exceed a specified number of simultaneous users.
It's true that some streaming services like Netflix strictly supervise the practice, particularly with the requirement to use a subscription only among members of the same household. For example, the American platform requires payment of a surcharge to allow someone who does not live in the household to use the subscription.
Other platforms do not provide further details regarding the requirement that users all live in the same household.
As you can see, over the years, subscription sharing has become a more than common practice, and for consumers, it represents a new way of spending their money. interesting and legal alternative to reduce the cost of subscribing to the various streaming platforms.
Is subscription sharing with Sharesub legal?
Over the years, Sharesub has succeeded in gain the trust of a huge number of users. In fact, the platform is one of the most highly rated in its field, with 4.4 out of 5 stars at Trustpilot.
It's a legal option, and one that customers love to share and divide the cost of their subscriptions to various streaming platforms.
In effect, Sharesub is operating within the law by offering models in which only authorized slots can be filled by new users. Let's take the example of a subscription to a streaming platform that can be used by four people simultaneously:
If someone subscribes to this subscription and wishes to share it with other users via Sharesub, only three other people will be able to contribute to the cost and use the subscription. This ensures that the number of users does not exceed the limit imposed by the streaming platform. The terms & conditions platforms are respected.
Don't hesitate to consult our article in which we give our opinion about Sharesub. You'll get more details and information about this site.
What does case law say about subscription sharing?
In recent years, a number of legal precedents have confirmed that the Legality of subscription sharing. This was the case, for example, in the dispute between the website SPLIIIT (a subscription sharing platform) and several streaming giants such as Apple TV, Disney+, and Netflix.
In 2022, the French justice finally ruled in SPLIIIT's favor, allowing the platform to continue offering its services. It was considered that the subscription sharing did not constitute an illegal practice as it did not violate the terms of use of streaming platforms.
All in all, Sharesub offers a a service that's well within the law, Using it will not expose you to any risks at this time!
To start or extend your adventure in the subscription-sharing worldwe recommend that you read our article on alternatives to Sharesub via the link.
English
The court did not rule in Spliiit's favor in 2022 either. The judgment published on Legifrance states
«The plaintiff companies must therefore be referred back to improve their case (on the merits).
[…]
FOR THESE REASONS,
Ruling publicly by making the decision available at the court registry, by order issued after hearing both sides and at first instance,
The judge hearing the application for interim relief,
Dismisses the objections raised by SPLIIIT.