UK Regulates Major Streaming Platforms Like TV

The UK government announced on Tuesday that major video-on-demand streaming platforms, including Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney+, will face enhanced regulatory oversight from media watchdog Ofcom, aligning them with standards long applied to traditional broadcasters.

The changes, implemented through secondary legislation under the Media Act 2024, target services with more than 500,000 average monthly UK users. These platforms, along with public service video-on-demand offerings such as ITVX and Channel 4, will be designated as Tier 1 services. They must adhere to a new video-on-demand standards code, which mirrors Ofcom's Broadcasting Code for licensed television channels. This includes requirements for accurate and impartial news reporting, as well as protections against harmful or offensive material. Audiences will be able to submit complaints directly to Ofcom, empowering the regulator to investigate potential breaches and impose actions as needed.

In addition, a separate accessibility code will mandate minimum standards to support viewers with disabilities. Platforms must ensure that at least 80 percent of their content catalogue includes subtitles, 10 percent...