Disney+ block: Forced to accept the price?

Streaming services have become an integral part of our everyday lives. They offer us an almost endless selection of films, series and documentaries at the touch of a button. But what happens when a provider like Disney+ suddenly increases prices and gives users the choice: accept or no longer have access? This is exactly the situation Disney+ users in Austria recently experienced. Anyone who did not agree to the price increase found themselves locked out - despite having an ongoing subscription. An approach that not only causes uncertainty, but also raises legal questions.

What are we talking about?

Disney+ has massively increased its subscription prices for new customers and is requiring existing customers to accept the new pricing structure in order to continue access. Users who do not agree to this increase will not be able to use their already paid subscriptions.

A reader reported an app lock that requires consent to gain access to the account. Consumer advocates criticize this approach as illegal and describe it as a “dark pattern,” a manipulative design that leads users to take unwanted actions.

Our review of the Disney+ case

This Disney+ case raises important questions about the rights of consumers and the obligations of providers. Consumer protection organizations argue that a unilateral price increase and the resulting blocking of the user account before the existing subscription expires are not permitted. They recommend that affected users defend themselves against this practice and insist on their rights. The situation shows how important it is to be aware of consumer rights and not to allow yourself to be pressured into giving unwanted consent by manipulative designs.

Facts about the Disney+ incident

• Price increase for new customers: More than 20% more expensive since November 1st.
• Existing customers affected: The higher tariff has also applied to them since January 19, 2024.
• Block for non-consent: Users report an app block that requires consent to the price increase in order to gain access.
• Consumer protection: Criticism of the practice of blocking user accounts and reference to inadmissible dark patterns.
• Legal assessment: A unilateral price increase and the resulting block are classified as legally questionable.

Questions and answers about the Disney+ incident:

Question 1: What happens if you don't agree to the Disney+ price increase?
Answer 1: Anyone who does not agree will be blocked from access to the app and therefore from the paid content.

Question 2: Is Disney+'s actions legally permissible?
Answer 2: No, according to consumer advocates, this practice contradicts consumer rights and is not permitted.

Question 3: What can you do if you are affected by the ban?
Answer 3: Those affected should contact Disney+ and point out the legal situation. If necessary, consumer protection can also be involved.

Question 4: Is there a way to bypass app lock?
Answer 4: The lock can be bypassed on some devices such as Google TV, but not on iPhone or Playstation.

Question 5: How do other streaming services feel about such practices?
Answer 5: Other services such as Amazon Prime Video and Netflix have also increased prices, but the way they enforce and communicate with customers differs.

Conclusion

The situation surrounding Disney+ and the forced approval of price increases highlights the need to take consumer rights seriously and protect them. It is important that companies act transparently and respect the rights of their customers. Manipulative practices such as dark patterns that lead users to take unwanted actions should be consistently addressed. Consumers should be aware of their rights and demand them.

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Source:

The standard