Netflix, Amazon’s Prime Video and Disney+ are to come under “enhanced regulation” by the UK media regulator, Ofcom, making the streaming giants topic to the identical scrutiny as conventional broadcasters such because the BBC and ITV.
Under the brand new regulatory regime, which will even apply to public service broadcaster (PSB) video-on-demand providers comparable to ITVX and Channel 4, the platforms may have to adhere to laws relating to correct and neutral information and defending audiences from dangerous and offensive materials.
Ofcom may have the ability to settle for and examine complaints from viewers about content material on streaming platforms, and to impose fines of up to £250,000, or 5% of income generated in the UK, for every breach.
“By bringing the most popular video-on-demand services under enhanced regulation by Ofcom, we are strengthening protections for audiences, creating a level playing field for industry and supporting our vibrant media sector,” stated Lisa Nandy, the tradition secretary.
Until now, streaming providers haven’t been topic to the identical degree of regulation under the UK broadcasting code as conventional, licensed TV channels.
Netflix has not been regulated in the UK at all; as a result of its European headquarters are in Amsterdam, it has come under Dutch legal guidelines.
The UK authorities stated the brand new laws, being applied as a part of the Media Act 2024, will apply to video-on-demand providers which have greater than 500,000 UK viewers.
Two-thirds of UK households subscribe to no less than one of many three greatest streaming providers – Netflix, Prime Video or Disney+ – with 85% of individuals utilizing an on-demand service every month, in contrast with 67% who watch reside TV, the federal government stated.
“We know that the way audiences watch TV has fundamentally changed,” stated Nandy. “Millions now choose to watch content on video-on-demand platforms alongside or, in the case of many young people, instead of traditional TV.”
