"Don't Make Money Live Streaming at Theme Parks"... Disney Considers Banning Profit-Driven Broadcasts

There is growing speculation that Disney theme parks in the United States may take steps to restrict "profit-driven live streams" by influencers. This move follows a recent "swatting" incident at Disneyland, in which a false report prompted a large police response, raising both safety concerns and complaints of inconvenience from park visitors.

Walt Disney World located in Orlando, Florida, USA. Pexels

원본보기 아이콘

According to the New York Post on April 22 (local time), Disney is reportedly considering either banning or heavily restricting live streaming within its theme parks. In particular, profit-oriented streams-where influencers earn money through donations, advertising revenue, or real-time product purchase requests-are expected to be the main target of these measures.

The controversy was sparked by a swatting incident that took place in March at Disneyland in Anaheim, California. At that time, police responded to a false emergency report tied to social media activity. Swatting refers to the dangerous prank of making a fake report of a shooting or bomb threat, causing heavily armed police to be dispatched to unsuspecting individuals.

Authorities later confirmed that the reports were false. Several incidents that day were found to be linked to influencers, and some of them were live streaming at the time. An internal source explained that the recent swatting incident involving a streamer created a sentiment within Disney that "enough is enough." That streamer has reportedly since been banned from entering the park.

AI-generated image to assist in understanding the article. ChatGPT

원본보기 아이콘

Disney’s concern is not with casual video recording, but rather with broadcasting activities that generate profit within the park. Some influencers live stream their rides on attractions or parades, receiving donations or advertisement revenue. Others reportedly conduct "live shopping" streams, buying Disney merchandise at viewers’ requests in real time.

Such activities may already violate existing park regulations, as Disney prohibits unauthorized commercial activity. However, it has been suggested that Disney has not strictly enforced these rules in the past because influencer content provided free publicity for the parks.

Nevertheless, complaints from visitors about streamers have been ongoing. Some streamers have been criticized for loudly broadcasting inside attractions or blocking pathways with filming equipment. There are also concerns about privacy, as visitors may be broadcast without their consent.

Disney parks overseas have already moved to strengthen related regulations. Tokyo Disneyland, for example, has banned commercial filming and public broadcasts that may inconvenience other visitors since 2022. Disneyland Paris has also recently imposed significant restrictions on the use of filming equipment.

However, questions remain about the feasibility and procedures for enforcing a live streaming ban at Disney parks in the United States. Since most guests use their mobile phones to take photos and videos, it may be difficult to distinguish between regular filming and profit-driven broadcasts.

Public opinion online is divided. Some users agree that regulations are necessary, arguing that live broadcast culture disrupts the park experience. Others point out that unless the activities involve overt broadcasting equipment or commercial activity, the criteria for enforcement may remain ambiguous.

원본보기 아이콘

Meanwhile, as of now, Disney has not released an official statement regarding a ban on live streaming.

© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.