Disney+ is set to roll out stringent account sharing restrictions in Canada starting November 1, altering the landscape of streaming accessibility for its users. Subscribers recently received notifications via email, highlighting this forthcoming change that aligns with Disney CEO Bob Iger’s previous hints during an earnings call in August. This move closely mirrors Netflix’s efforts to curb password sharing, which officially commenced in the United States and other countries in May.
In an updated Subscriber Agreement, Disney explicitly defines a “household” as the “collection of devices associated with your primary personal residence,” utilized exclusively by the residents of that residence. Disney+ also hints at the introduction of new fee options for users seeking to extend account access to individuals outside their primary households. The exact details regarding these fees have yet to be disclosed, but Netflix’s precedent includes charges of $8 per additional person per month.
Notably, Iger had initially projected 2024 as the target year for cracking down on account sharing. However, these recent measures in Canada indicate a swifter timeline. Addressing what he referred to as a “significant” level of account sharing may require more than a full calendar year to fully resolve. It remains uncertain how Disney+ will enforce these restrictions, especially on mobile devices, and when similar measures will be introduced in other regions.
Coinciding with these changes, Disney+ users in Canada and select European regions will gain access to the streaming service’s more affordable ad-supported tier on November 1. This tier, which has been available in the United States since 2022, offers a cost-effective alternative. Nonetheless, for individuals accustomed to sharing Disney+ accounts, these new policies herald a shift in streaming practices, marking a decisive step towards tighter access control.
