Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+ have updated their subscriber agreement to prohibit sharing accounts with people outside households. The Walt Disney Company has changed the terms of its streaming platforms' user agreements to stop non-subscribers from using its services.
Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+ will ban the practice of password sharing, which allows people outside of subscribers' households to stream their programs for free. This move comes after Disney's leading competitor in the streaming business, Netflix, took steps to stop the illegal sharing of passwords. Netflix's profits surged after its successful crackdown that started last year.
Limiting Usage of Streaming Services
As per CNN Business, Hulu's, Disney Plus', and ESPN Plus' user agreements were revised to prevent illegal users from impersonating actual subscribers by using their username and password. In this way, they enjoy streaming at no cost.
It was reported that all three Disney-owned streaming platforms updated their respective agreements late last week. The password-sharing ban was implemented first on Disney Plus and ESPN+, and Hulu was the last to implement the crackdown.
Hulu to Commence Clampdown on Illegal Password-Sharing
The Hollywood Reporter reported that Hulu will start cracking down on password and account sharing next month. The streaming site has already informed its subscribers about the updated agreement, which they must acknowledge.
The terms and conditions are set to take effect on March 14. In any case, the changes in Hulu's agreement are said to be similar to Disney+.
"Unless otherwise permitted by your Service Tier, you may not share your subscription outside of your household," part of Hulu's new terms read. "'Household' means the collection of devices associated with your primary personal residence that are used by the individuals who reside therein."
Hulu added, "We may, in our sole discretion, analyze the use of your account to determine compliance with this agreement. If we determine, in our sole discretion, that you have violated this agreement, we may limit or terminate access to the Service and/or take any other steps as permitted by this agreement."
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