After Netflix’s recent crackdown on password sharing, Disney+Hotstar, a major streaming platform, is planning to implement a new policy that will limit its premium users to log in from only four devices, as reported by news agency Reuters.
Enforcement of the New Policy and Internal Testing
The Disney+Hotstar website currently allows four logged-in devices. Premium account holders can log in from up to 10 devices at present. The platform will implement the new restriction later this year. Internal tests to enforce the policy have already been conducted.
Encouraging Individual Subscriptions
The introduction of this restriction will encourage many users to buy their subscriptions. The new policy imposes limitations on simultaneous log-ins. This move aims to discourage password sharing among multiple users and promote individual subscriptions.
Disney- Restrictions on Cheaper Plans
In addition to the premium subscription, Disney+Hotstar is also planning to apply restrictions to its cheaper plan, which will limit usage across two devices. This measure is part of the company’s efforts to further curb unauthorized sharing of accounts.
Disney- Strategic Options for Star India Business
Reports have surfaced that Disney, the parent company of Disney+Hotstar, is exploring various strategic options for its Star India business, including a possible joint venture or sale. Disney acquired Star India as part of its acquisition of 21st Century Fox’s entertainment assets in 2019, and Hotstar was subsequently rebranded as Disney+Hotstar.
The streaming landscape in India has become highly competitive, with Reliance-backed JioCinema emerging as a strong competitor. Disney’s loss of the Indian Premier League’s (IPL) digital streaming rights to Viacom18 further intensified the competition. In its Q2 FY23 earnings report, Walt Disney revealed that Disney+Hotstar’s subscribers in the February-April 2023 quarter stood at 52.9 million, a decrease of 4.6 million subscribers sequentially. The platform’s leadership position has been challenged by Jio’s aggressive push in the OTT space.
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