Mirroring Netflix’s recent policy update, Disney-owned streaming services Hulu, Disney+, and ESPN+ are set to enforce stricter measures against password sharing, signaling a potential end to the era of casual login exchanges among users. The trio will implement limitations on password sharing, restricting access to accounts outside of the primary personal residence, starting March 14.
Hulu subscribers recently received an email detailing the upcoming changes, emphasizing the need for users to comply with the revised Terms of Service. The updated terms explicitly state that users may not share passwords outside of their primary personal residence. Disney+ and ESPN+ have adopted similar language, clearly defining the boundaries of password sharing within the confines of one’s home.
Disney CEO Bob Iger had hinted at such changes last summer, mentioning the company’s intention to update subscriber agreements and sharing policies. Disney+ initiated this process last year, aligning with the evolving nature of streaming services.
The email to Hulu subscribers, reported by CNN, indicated that Disney means business with these changes. The company stated that it may assess users’ compliance with the new limitations, signaling a commitment to enforcing the updated policies. While the email did not detail the methods for measuring compliance, it did emphasize that Disney reserves the right to analyze account usage and take action, including limiting or terminating access, if policies are not adhered to.
This move follows in the footsteps of streaming giant Netflix, which implemented a similar policy shift last year. Netflix’s decision proved successful, resulting in a substantial increase in global subscribers within a short period. By the end of 2023, Netflix had amassed over 200 million subscribers, showcasing the effectiveness of the new approach.
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