You can’t stop internet piracy—it’s like a force of nature—but that isn’t stopping HBO from trying. The company’s latest a anti-piracy measure? It’s not giving TV reviewers DVDs anymore.
It’s a subtle change to how the company does business with the media, but it’s a shift in trust: Apparently the four episodes of Game of Thrones that found their way online before the season five premiere originated from a review DVD. Reviewers will still get early access to new episodes, but from now on they’ll only be available through a secure streaming service.
This isn’t going to stop piracy of course, not by a long shot—would-be leakers will still be able to use screen capture software and other methods to poach the show—but it marks the end of the studio’s nonchalant attitude toward piracy. HBO is trying.
[Engadget]
