A few months back, Disney promised to crack down on password sharing among users of its streaming service Disney+. This initiative, which started in Canada and select other countries last year, is set to expand in the near future, requiring account sharers to pay extra or have separate subscriptions to continue using the service. Disney CEO Bob Iger emphasized the importance of making the streaming division a higher return and more successful business during an earnings call, mentioning the implementation of a password sharing initiative in June. Netflix charges an extra $8 per month for additional households, and Disney’s expanded crackdown comes just before they increase streaming prices in October. Iger also highlighted the need for stronger recommendation engines and efficient marketing to keep viewers engaged and paying for the service every month. Furthermore, Disney revealed that its streaming business is now profitable, with Disney+ alone reaching profitability earlier than expected. The company plans to launch a standalone ESPN streaming service and a joint sports streaming venture called Venu, though this service is facing antitrust backlash from rivals and lawmakers.
