For some time now, many streaming providers have been receiving more and more warnings or lawsuits, as in the past the monthly fees have not only been increased, but sometimes also illegally with deception of the customer.
Currently, Disney+ with its subscription model is in the focus of the consumer advice center in North Rhine-Westphalia, because they warn Disney+ because the streaming service had blocked access to series and films before the end of the contract period, although they were still paid for.
What exactly is it about?
Anyone who has or had a subscription to Disney+ and has cancelled it in accordance with the contract usually assumes that access can still be used in full until the end of the term. However, this was not the case, because after Disney+ informed users that there was a price increase, which was not approved, Disney+ blocked access to the subscription before the official term.
For example, despite being paid for in full, the user was locked out prematurely, which is a violation of consumer law. The consumer protection in NRW reacted immediately and immediately warned Disney+ – and with success!
Anyone affected should contact the consumer advice centre directly
Whether you are or were affected by this violation should contact the consumer advice center directly, as Disney+ has a contractual penalty. There is not only help, but you can also refer to the jurisdiction of the consumer advice center.
Disney+ has already reacted
Fortunately for customers, however, Disney+ reacted directly and issued a cease-and-desist declaration with penalty, which directly means that this procedure is to be rectified by May 31, 2025 with current subscriptions that have been canceled but blocked prematurely.
From June 1, 2025, there may also be no more blocks that are still in use during the contractual subscription period. This means that no more blocks may be used for the subscription if, for example, you do not agree with new conditions and the subscription can therefore be used until the end of the current month.
Common practice with streaming providers?
Not only Disney+ has attracted attention with this concept. Most recently, Netflix was also one of the providers that had brought a similar block into play. There, too, access was blocked if the new conditions were not agreed. In this case, too, Netflix was warned and you can even get your money back, as we reported.
You can easily find our article and also the possibilities in one of our guides, or news. Just click on this link: Click here.
What is your opinion on these machinations of the streaming providers? Are they shooting themselves out of the picture with such practices?
