Following in the footsteps of Netflix, Disney Plus is gearing up to implement its own measures against password sharing. This move, anticipated for some time now, aims to refine account usage and ensure subscribers adhere to the intended household limitations.
An email disclosed by CNN reveals that Hulu, often paired with Disney Plus and soon to be integrated with it in the U.S., will introduce restrictions on account sharing outside of a subscriber’s household starting March 14. This change signals the first concrete step in Disney Plus’s strategy to regulate account access.
The updated user agreement, which went into effect last week, now includes specific language to prevent impersonation or misrepresentation. Subscribers are prohibited from using another person’s username, password, or other account information, as well as from providing false details for a parent or guardian. This clause mirrors the terms in Disney Plus’ user agreement, hinting at imminent plans to curb access for those using the service outside the primary account holder’s household. The specifics of these impending restrictions, however, remain unclear.
Disney had previously announced its intention to tackle account sharing in 2023. Last year, Disney CEO Bob Iger, as reported by IGN, mentioned exploring ways to address account sharing. “Later this year, we will begin to update our subscriber agreements with additional terms and our sharing policies. And we will roll out tactics to drive monetization sometime in 2024,” he stated.
This move by Disney Plus is reminiscent of the strategy employed by Netflix, which has witnessed significant subscriber growth after implementing password sharing crackdowns. Netflix’s approach has set a precedent in the streaming industry, and Disney Plus seems poised to adopt a similar model.
As these changes take effect, subscribers might need to navigate the new terms and adjust their sharing habits. This shift represents a significant moment in the streaming landscape, marking a move towards stricter account usage policies.
