Hulu Password Sharing Ban: Password sharing is prohibited on Disney-owned Hulu, as the streaming service is taking tough measures against users who share their credentials with anybody outside of their home. Disney’s policy became operative for new members on January 25 and will take effect for current Hulu subscribers on March 14.
The fact that Hulu is taking action against password sharing is not shocking, even if it has always been common practice since the emergence of streaming media. Before changing its mind last year, Netflix actually promoted the practice. Disney, the parent company of Hulu, took strong action against password sharing in late 2017 for its Disney Plus and ESPN Plus services. However, what does this new policy entail for Hulu’s viewers—both present and potential—?
Hulu Password Sharing Ban
Hulu announced that it would expressly forbid sharing a subscription with anyone outside of a single household in an updated user agreement that was distributed via email. A “household” is “the group of things used by the people who live in your main private residence.”
The password sharing modifications went into effect on January 25, 2024, for new customers, and on March 14, 2024, for current subscribers.This modification aims to limit users’ ability to use another person’s Hulu account as leverage in order to increase the number of paying members. Disney Plus and ESPN Plus both implemented a similar restriction in late 2023.
Hulu’s move is not surprising, given that Netflix reportedly saw a spike in subscribers after cracking down on account sharing. Streaming customers now have to worry whose business will follow, even as subscription costs rise. Live TV-equipped Hulu subscriptions are close to $80 a month.
Netflix, Disney plus, Prime, Hulu and HBO Max upcoming shows for February 1- 7
Terminating or suspending accounts
Hulu may, “in our sole discretion and without notice or liability to you, restrict, suspend, or terminate your access to part or all of the Services, and to any Content if we believe you are using or have used the Services in violation of this Agreement,” even though it did not specify how it will keep an eye on whether users are disclosing their login credentials.
In any case, the majority of streaming services restrict the amount of devices that may log in simultaneously or discourage account sharing. Nonetheless, Netflix does have an add-on that costs just $7.99 a month to add a second member from outside the subscriber’s home.
Although Hulu hasn’t done so yet, the notice to subscribers mentions tiers, so perhaps it will. It appears that Hulu customers will have to follow the new guidelines when the crackdown starts until then.
