Why It Matters

Disney’s lobbying targets emerging policy changes likely to reshape its business. The company is positioned to influence the Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA) and related child protection legislation—measures imposing new compliance requirements on streaming platforms serving minors. Disney is also shaping intellectual property enforcement through advocacy on the Foreign Anti-Digital Piracy Act and the NO FAKES Act, which would strengthen copyright protections against foreign piracy and unauthorized AI-generated digital replicas.

By the Numbers

Disney Worldwide Services Inc. spent $870,000 in Q3 2025 on in-house lobbying efforts to shape critical legislation affecting its streaming, media, and entertainment operations . The company has invested approximately $83.9 million in federal advocacy since August 2003. Disney’s lobbying operation relies on six registered lobbyists:

The company refreshed its team in July 2023 by adding Jaqueline Serrano Ruvalcaba, a former House Deputy Chief of Staff, and Frederic C. Sottnick, a former Republican House staffer, strengthening Disney’s bipartisan congressional relationships.

  • Veteran advocates: Troy D. Dow, Susan L. Fox, and William J. Bailey have each filed 71-77 disclosures since 2003, providing expertise on media policy, intellectual property, trade, and tax issues.

  • Congressional veterans: Ruvalcaba brings eight years of House experience, while Sottnick has over seven years of Republican House staff experience.

  • Cross-industry talent: Maria Louise Kirby previously lobbied for Apple Inc. on technology policy issues.

The Agenda

Disney’s Q3 2025 lobbying targeted five core areas: intellectual property protection, communications and broadcasting regulation, international trade, corporate taxation, and travel and tourism policy. On intellectual property, Disney advocated for the Foreign Anti-Digital Piracy Act and the NO FAKES Act, protecting against unauthorized digital replicas amid AI concerns.

On child safety, Disney lobbied on the Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA), establishing a "duty of care" for platforms protecting minors, alongside the Children and Teens Online Privacy Protection Act and the App Store Accountability Act. These issues directly impact Disney’s streaming services serving youth audiences.

Broader Context

Disney’s lobbying coincides with significant congressional momentum on issues directly affecting its business. The Kids Online Safety Act has gained bipartisan backing, while Congress advances aggressive intellectual property protections critical for protecting Disney’s content library. The Senate Commerce Committee hearing on sports streaming reflects growing congressional focus on media fragmentation, directly impacting ESPN’s business model.

Competitive Landscape

Paramount Global is Disney’s primary competitor, spending over $1.5 million quarterly on similar priorities, particularly copyright enforcement. The Motion Picture Association Inc. serves as the primary trade association lobbying on behalf of members including Disney on copyright protection and anti-piracy enforcement.

The Bottom Line

Disney’s lobbying investment aligns with active congressional momentum on digital piracy enforcement, children’s online safety, and AI-related IP protections. With the Kids Online Safety Act and Foreign Anti-Digital Piracy Act advancing with bipartisan support, Disney’s in-house team of six lobbyists provides both institutional expertise and current political access to shape favorable legislation.