A few weeks ago, rumors announced a completely free (but limited) version of Disney+, supported by advertising. A step in the right direction to introduce the service to the more hesitant, but Disney apparently has a very different idea in mind: forcing ads to be displayed, even for those who specifically pay not to have them. Oh yes, you should have read the fine print at the bottom of the page before signing…
Ads before or after programs
This is what is suggested by a recent update to the platform’s Terms and Conditions of Subscription in the United States, indicating that all subscription plans may contain advertising. A small bonus for those who pay more, though: ads only appear before or after a program, which are interrupted by commercials only on the Standard with Ads plan.
France also affected
Note that in its French version, this legal text was updated on June 18 and already includes these famous mentions, stating: “All subscription offers may include: promotional content, sponsorships, advertisements before/after content playback”.
Ad blockers in the crosshairs
Another amusing clarification concerning those clever folks who try to get around the system with ad blockers: “If we detect that you are using an ad blocker and/or that you have taken steps to prevent the display of said advertisements, we may: suspend or terminate your subscription after notifying you; and/or block your viewing until you take steps to allow the display of advertisements”. In short, whether Disney+ takes away elements from us ([abc]Ultra HD[/abc] [abc]4K[/abc], [abc]HDR Dolby Vision[/abc], 3D…) or adds them (ads), the company’s service is piling up petty annoyances and gives the impression of considering its subscribers only as cash cows.
In any case, you have been warned.
