Disney+ is starting to implement new rules for subscribers and they will have to be respected. Otherwise, Mickey’s firm offers itself the right to take action against freeloaders.
Disney+ is the latest SVOD platform to enter the race after Netflix and Prime Video. Like its peers, it evolves for better or for worse in order to expand the subscriber base and/or increase the revenue generated by subscriptions. And for several weeks, the big-eared firm has been tightening the screws drastically to achieve its goals and it is far from over. After the announcement of a new measure, the service will tighten its policy. No price shield or special discount from President Mickey!
Sanctions for Disney+ account sharing
Disney+ has no shortage of ideas for saving money. Initially, around sixty films, series and documentaries were removed from the service and will never return. The television show Willow will not have a season 2 because it was not a success, and money must be recovered wherever possible.
“It’s crucial that we rationalize the volumes of content we create, and what we spend to produce them. We wanted to overwhelm this space with as much content as possible to gain the maximum number of subscribers. But we realized that we were producing a lot of content that wasn’t necessarily fueling growth. We want to reduce our production without this having an impact on subscriptions” CEO Bog Iger said about Disney+ (via TV5 Monde). As indicated, there will be less content and the pace of the Marvel series will be reduced in particular to avoid running out of steam.
But this weekend, Disney+ announced a measure that directly affects subscribers. In Canada, users have been notified that account sharing would be formally prohibited from November 1, 2023. And as we know, the firm has big ears but also big eyes which it intends to use well. “Unless otherwise authorized, you may not share your subscription outside of your household”.
And what exactly is Mickey going to do? Limit or terminate a fraudster’s account or even more. In the event of violation of the new general conditions of use, various sanctions are provided. “We may limit access to the Service or terminate the subscription, and/or take any other action permitted under the Agreement”. Criminal proceedings? In the United States, this is a high probability. But hey, don’t be sad, drop prices are coming too.
Watch out for the new prices from November 1, 2023
For now, these sanctions on account sharing will not affect the French. This measure must already be applied here, but don’t worry, it will happen sooner or later. On the other hand, Disney+ will cost more from November, including in France, to compensate for the loss of subscribers.
To put it simply, the service will charge you 3 extra per month. How ? By switching all the advantages of the current offer to a Premium plan at €11.99 instead of €8.99. Clever big-eared mouse! Therefore, if you want to keep 4K Ultra HD and HDR for example, you will have to move upmarket. And be careful, because even if you are not ready to pay more, your account will be charged. From November 20, 2023, if you do nothing, €11.99 will be taken automatically. Since the subscription can be canceled without subscription and in one click, you can react before this happens.
If you prefer, a new Disney+ subscription will also be available. A level with advertisements at €5.99. In addition to watching advertising spots, you will have to give up certain advantages. Forget downloads, 4K HDR or even Dolby Atmos. It’s 1080 but still with 5.1 sound. The number of simultaneous screens is 2 compared to 4 for the Premium offer.