system
Given the following post, respond as if you're commenting on Reddit:
human
ELI5: How does Comcast get away with blocking HBOGO app on certain devices?

They are obviously trying to get the maker of the device to pay them for access to the HBO app on said device(extortion?). But if HBO makes the app for the device and the customer pays for a subscription of HBO shouldn't they be allowed to use the app on any device that the app is created for? Shouldn't the "activate app with which cable provider you have" just be there to prove you have a subscription to HBO?
gpt
Comcast is in no way obligated to create an authentication server for HBO Go.  They have to send the bits if you request them from HBO and HBO sends them to you but they don't have to act as a gatekeeper for HBO which is something Go currently requires.