Mar 1, 2026 5:00 AM

The Piracy Problem Streaming Platforms Can’t Solve

In parts of the Middle East and North Africa, a patchwork of sanctions, payment failures, and licensing gaps pushes people into piracy networks.

Photograph: Getty Images

For most of the world, streaming services promise smooth access: click, pay, and watch. In parts of the Middle East and North Africa, however, the reality is far more complicated. While global platforms such as Netflix and Spotify have expanded their reach, access across the region remains uneven.

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