The release of The Mechanism, a Netflix series that allegedly portrays a distorted view of Brazilian politics, has spurred users in the country to boycott the streaming platform. While people expect the media to tackle taboos, this reaction highlights the need to do so accurately and responsibly.

Having grown accustomed to free services, many digital customers can be begrudging of subscription costs. In response, Brazilian start-up Kotas is stepping in to help people take advantage of multi-user accounts, facilitating the sharing of Spotify and Netflix log-ins between strangers.

In Brazil, where watching TV is the primary form of leisure for 81% of the population, streaming services are thriving. Looke, a home-grown provider, has been gaining ground in the market, but how is it managing to compete against the might of international players like Netflix?

Brazilians are not unfamiliar with national crises, but amid rising crime, high unemployment, a series of political scandals, and a recession fresh in people’s memories, things are taking a heavy toll on the population. How are they reacting to the difficulties? And how do they see the future?