Petition of Warning to Demand Stronger Parental Controls on MAX Streaming Service

To: David Zaslav, CEO of Warner Bros. Discovery and Robert Iger, CEO of Walt Disney Co.

We, the undersigned, hereby submit this petition to request the implementation of the strongest parental controls by default on MAX, especially in light of the recently announced bundle with Disney+.

Both Disney and Max must ensure that children cannot access explicit content that can be harmful to them. The company must implement the strongest possible parental controls by default instead of putting the burden on parents to figure it out. Max must ensure a consistent user experience – and with the strongest child protections – regardless of the device used to watch content on the platform.

MAX should never allow p*rnographic content on a streaming service that is shared by families. And Disney+ should never partner with a service that offers such explicit content.

With all of the rapid advances in technology it’s nearly impossible for even the most diligent parents to stay on top of it all. And now, with the streaming market becoming so fractured and with no real oversight or regulation over this burgeoning industry, it’s harder than ever for families to protect their children from harmful media content.

Warner Bros. Discovery should be working with families to reduce the chances of children being exposed to unsuitable content, while promoting a safe and secure streaming environment, and removing content that exists only to appeal to viewers’ prurient interests.

Therefore, we call on Warner Bros. Discovery to make the following changes to its streaming platform:

1. Default Activation: We urge Warner Bros. Discovery to make sure that the strongest parental controls are automatically activated upon the creation of a new account. This will ensure that parents and guardians can rest assured that their children are protected from age-inappropriate content from the moment they start using the platform.
2. Content Filtering: Implement robust content filtering mechanisms that categorize and rate content accurately. This will enable parents to customize the viewing experience according to their child's age and maturity level. Additionally, allow parents to block specific content or set restrictions based on themes, violence, language, and other potentially objectionable elements.
3. Time Restrictions: Provide the option for parents to set time restrictions for their children's streaming activities. This feature will allow parents to manage the amount of time their children spend watching content, ensuring a healthy balance between screen time and other activities.
4. Enhanced Password Protection: Strengthen password requirements for parental controls, ensuring that only authorized individuals can modify or disable these settings. This will prevent children from bypassing the controls or unauthorized users from tampering with them.

By implementing the strongest parental controls as the default setting on your MAX streaming service, Warner Bros. Discovery will demonstrate its commitment to safeguarding the well-being of children and supporting responsible media consumption.

We, the undersigned, request your prompt attention to this matter. Together, let's create a safer digital space for our children and empower parents with the necessary tools to protect their young ones.

Protect Families and Children!

Stand with us to clean up the graphic sex, violence and profanity on television and other entertainment media.