However, the launch left many Linux users disappointed, as Disney+ did not support the DRM (Digital Rights Management) system used on Linux computers. As a result, many Linux users were unable to use the service. Users trying to use the service were greeted with an “Error Code 83”. This error basically means that your device is incompatible with the security level of DRM implemented. For those unaware, Disney uses a Google-developed DRM system called Widevine to protect its streams from unauthorized activity. Widevine has three different security levels, 1, 2 and 3. Apparently, Disney has set the security level to 1, which is higher than the other streaming services like Netflix and Hulu. Ironically this security level is not supported by many devices, including Linux. “Someone on tweakers.net has done some digging and this is a Widevine error: “the response is: {“errors”:[{“code”:”platform-verification-failed”,”description”:”Platform verification status incompatible with security level”}]}”. Widevine has 3 security levels and many devices, including desktop Linux and many Android devices, only support the lowest security setting (software encryption only). In this case e.g. Netflix will not offer full HD or 4k resolutions, but otherwise, everything works fine, which is a balance between DRM and usability which I can accept. Disney+ OTOH seems to have the DRM features kranked up to maximum draconian settings and simply will not work on a lot of android devices, nor on Chromebooks, nor on desktop Linux.” Apparently, Disney+ has now tweaked its DRM security levels allowing for the service to work on Linux browsers. The same was confirmed by Twitter users.
Now Linux desktop users can enjoy #BabyYoda like everyone else!!!! ? Go forth and stream! — Justin Garrison (@rothgar) December 4, 2019
— DorianDotSlash (@DorianDotSlash) December 5, 2019 With Disney+ now lowering the DRM requirements, Linux users should be able to watch their favorite shows like The Mandalorian and High School Musical: The Musical: The Series. In order to stream the Disney+ service on Linux devices, users need to ensure that DRM is enabled in their browser.
