Disney+ is gearing up to implement stricter password-sharing rules, following Netflix’s lead. The changes are expected to roll out starting in Canada on November 1st, coinciding with the introduction of an ad-supported tier in the country.
The updated subscriber agreement now includes a section explicitly addressing account sharing. Unless permitted by a user’s service tier, sharing a subscription outside of one’s household will be prohibited, according to Disney+. A “household” is defined as the devices associated with a user’s primary residence and used by the individuals residing there. Different service tiers may have additional usage rules.
To underline the significance of this policy change, Disney has warned that those found in violation may have their accounts canceled. The responsibility for safeguarding passwords and adhering to these guidelines falls on the paying customer.
While the initial rollout targets Canada, it’s likely that Disney’s action is just the beginning. In August, Disney expressed its intention to address account sharing, with CEO Bob Iger acknowledging the need to find legitimate ways for subscribers to share accounts with friends and family. Plans include updating subscriber agreements and sharing policies later this year, with monetization tactics expected to be implemented in 2024.
These forthcoming changes are highly anticipated, as they will likely shape the future landscape of password sharing on Disney+.
