What will the new Disney+ policy mean for you and your friends? The platform tightens the nuts
Imagine a world where the convenience of sharing your Disney+ account with your loved ones disappears in the blink of an eye. Well, get ready for that new scenario. Starting November 1, 2023, Disney+ will take a turn that could forever alter how you consume its content.
Disney gears are in motion and it seems that the entertainment giant is looking to make the most of its platform. To do this, November 1st will arrive with new subscription options that might make you think twice before sharing your password. The reason? Disney wants to restrict the number of simultaneous streams that can access a single account.
New plans, new rules
Apart from the arrival of a new tier with advertising, Disney+ will also present two new ad-free modalities: Standard and Premium. In Canada and Europe, all current users are on the Premium tier, but that could change soon. The main difference between Standard and Premium lies in the number of simultaneous streams: two for the first and four for the second.
Bob Iger, former CEO of Disney, mentioned that “this year, we will update our subscription agreements with additional terms in our sharing policies and we will deploy tactics to drive monetization sometime in 2024.” The new deals are now shipping to Disney+ subscribers in Canada.
The fine print: what you can and can’t do?
Here comes the most technical part. The subscription agreements establish that cannot share the account outside the home, defining “home” as “the set of devices associated with your primary residence that are used by the people who reside there.” Additionally, Disney may analyze your account usage to ensure that you are complying with the contract. So if you have friends or family using your account, prepare them for the change.
While Netflix opted for a somewhat more complicated password sharing restriction system, with add-on options, Disney+ opts for a simpler approach– Disney+ can only be used on devices associated with a primary address. This puts an end to the generous culture of sharing streaming accounts between friends and family, something that had been normalized until now.
Subscribers will have to make adjustments: Are we facing an inevitable trend in the world of streaming?
Since the launch of Disney+ in 2019, the platform has changed the rules of the game in the streaming market. From the inclusion of film classics to Marvel and Star Wars television series, its exclusive content has been a great incentive to gain millions of subscribers. The new account sharing restriction policy represents a significant strategic change for the company, and adds to a history of decisions that have helped solidify its position in the sector.
Disney+’s decision to limit account sharing isn’t a total surprise, especially considering that other streaming platforms, such as Netflix and HBO, have already implemented similar measures. The ultimate goal is clear: maximize revenue and ensure a more controlled user experience. However, this decision also highlights an ethical dilemma regarding access to quality digital content in an increasingly connected but also more restricted world. Is this the new norm in the streaming industry or just another phase in its evolution? Only time will tell if users adapt to this new paradigm or look for more flexible alternatives.
The implications: What happens from now on?
We will have to be cautious with these changes. If Disney+ is too strict, could cause dissatisfied subscribers to leave. But on the other hand, the laxity of policies so far has made password sharing a common practice. In summary, a tightening of account sharing regulations is expected.
Don’t forget that other streaming platforms are also looking for ways to reduce password sharing to improve their profits. So, Disney+ fans, are you ready for this new chapter?
