Highlights
- Disney+ announces measures to combat unauthorized password sharing globally by September 2024.
- Initial phase starts in June, focusing on users sharing passwords outside their households.
- Paid option for adding members from different households to be introduced.
- Strategy follows learning from Netflix’s experience with password sharing restrictions.
In a bid to combat unauthorized password sharing, Disney+ is set to roll out measures to curb the practice across its global markets.
According to CEO Bob Iger, the streaming platform will initiate its efforts in June 2024, with a full worldwide implementation targeted for September of the same year.
The two-phase approach aims to evaluate the effectiveness of the measures in select markets before a comprehensive rollout.
Starting in June, users identified as sharing passwords outside their households will be prompted to create their own accounts on the platform.
Additionally, Disney+ plans to introduce a paid option for subscribers to add members from different households, though pricing details remain undisclosed.
Learning from Netflix’s Experience
Disney+’s move to restrict password sharing comes after Netflix implemented similar measures, initially facing a subscriber drop before seeing an eventual increase in profits as more users subscribed individually.
The streaming giant hopes to replicate this success by compelling users to pay for accessing its content, rather than relying on shared credentials.
Preparing Subscribers for Change
Notably, Disney+ has already begun preparing its subscriber base for the upcoming policy shift.
New subscribers since January 2024 have been informed about the impending password-sharing rules, while existing customers received notification in March.
The United States market, where subscribers received an email earlier this year regarding the policy change, is expected to be among the first regions targeted in the June rollout.
Disney+ is gearing up for a long and arduous battle to tackle the long-standing issue of password sharing, to balance accessibility with revenue protection.
While specific details remain scarce, the company’s dual-phased approach will likely ensure a smooth transition for subscribers while safeguarding its content and revenue streams.
FAQs
What is Disney+’s new policy on password sharing?
Disney+ is implementing a strategy to limit password sharing across its platform.
Starting in June 2024, the service will begin addressing accounts that share passwords outside their household, urging them to set up individual accounts. By September 2024, these measures will be in effect globally.
How will Disney+ identify and manage accounts involved in password sharing?
While Disney+ has not disclosed the exact mechanism for identifying password sharing, users suspected of sharing login details outside their household will be encouraged to create their own accounts.
This is part of a broader initiative to ensure that all users accessing the content have authorized subscriptions.
What options are available for Disney+ subscribers who want to share their account with people outside their household?
Disney+ plans to introduce a paid feature allowing subscribers to add individuals from different households to their account.
Although the pricing for this option has yet to be announced, it represents a legitimate way for users to share their Disney+ content while complying with the platform’s terms of service.
How did subscribers react to the announcement of the new password-sharing policy?
Subscribers have been notified of the upcoming policy changes, with new users informed upon signing up since January 2024 and existing users notified in March.
The reaction will likely vary, but Disney+ is preparing its user base well in advance to minimize disruptions and ensure a smooth transition.
Also Read: Disney + Hotstar Restricts Account Sharing Following Netflix Password Sharing Crackdown
Also Read: Hulu and Disney+ Join Netflix in Password Sharing Crackdown: What You Need to Know