Disney+, one of the world’s leading streaming platforms, is taking a page out of Netflix’s playbook by implementing stricter password-sharing limits. The move is aimed at encouraging more users to subscribe to the service rather than relying on shared accounts. Here’s what you need to know about Disney+’s new policy.
Password Sharing Crackdown
Netflix set the precedent by cracking down on password sharing, and Disney+ is now following suit. Starting from November 1, 2023, Disney+ users in Canada will face new restrictions on sharing their passwords with friends and family. The company has already begun notifying users of this upcoming change through email communications.
Stringent Enforcement
Disney+ is not taking these new rules lightly. The company intends to enforce them rigorously, and users caught violating the policy could face consequences ranging from account limitations to outright termination.
Household Determination
To identify eligible users for an account, Disney+ is introducing the concept of a “household.” This means that the platform will determine who can and cannot access content from a particular profile based on whether they are part of the same household. This concept aims to prevent password sharing among individuals who are not residing at the same location.
Addressing the Issue
Password sharing has long been a concern for streaming companies, as it can result in a loss of potential paying subscribers. Disney+ is making these changes to ensure that users subscribe to the service rather than relying on shared accounts belonging to friends or acquaintances.
Monitoring IP Addresses
Disney+ plans to monitor IP addresses to enforce its new policy effectively. Users or devices sharing the same IP address will likely be considered part of the same household. This technical capability will help the platform determine who is accessing the service and whether they are doing so within the household’s boundaries.
Options for Sharing
In some Western markets, Disney+ offers an additional paid option that allows users to share their accounts with friends. This approach provides a legitimate means of sharing the service without violating the terms of use.
Global Expansion?
While Disney+ is starting its password-sharing crackdown in Canada, the question remains whether the company will implement similar rules in other markets. In regions like India, Disney+ offers a freemium plan that allows users to watch content on their mobile devices without a subscription. Whether the platform will extend its enforcement efforts to these markets remains uncertain. However, given Netflix’s introduction of password-sharing restrictions in India, it wouldn’t be surprising to see others follow suit in the future.
As Disney+ takes a proactive approach to combat password sharing, users will need to adapt to the changing landscape of streaming services. The days of freely sharing login credentials may be numbered as platforms like Disney+ strive to ensure that paid subscribers receive the full value of their subscriptions
