The UK’s greatest video-on-demand providers must observe the identical guidelines on content material and accessibility as conventional broadcasters, underneath new laws being carried out.
Streaming giants together with Netflix, Amazon Prime Video and Disney+, and catch-up providers like ITV X and Channel 4, are being introduced underneath enhanced regulation by Ofcom.
This means they’re going to should observe the media watchdog’s guidelines round neutral information reporting, and dangerous and offensive content material.
The laws will affect streaming providers with more than 500,000 UK customers, giving Ofcom the ability to simply accept viewer complaints and examine streaming platforms, because it at the moment does with broadcast tv.
This may also apply to the general public service broadcaster (PSB) video-on-demand (VoD) providers, comparable to ITVX and Channel 4.
VoD providers supplied by the BBC, comparable to BBC iPlayer, will proceed to be regulated underneath the Broadcasting Code by way of the BBC Framework Agreement, for now, however will later be introduced underneath the VoD requirements code.
Until now, solely licensed tv channels have needed to adjust to Ofcom’s broadcasting code and accessibility necessities, comparable to subtitles, which means that lots of the UK’s hottest streaming providers weren’t regulated to the identical customary. Some weren’t regulated within the UK in any respect.
Under the brand new guidelines, any video-on-demand platform with more than half one million customers will robotically be designated a “Tier 1” service, bringing them underneath a brand new VoD requirements code, which will probably be much like the Broadcasting Code adopted by conventional broadcasters such because the BBC, ITV and Sky News.
The new laws goals to make sure that information is reported precisely and impartially and audiences – notably youngsters – are protected in opposition to “harmful or offensive” materials.
Audiences will be capable to complain to Ofcom and, if it considers there was a breach of the code, it would have the ability to take motion.
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy mentioned: “We know that the way audiences watch TV has fundamentally changed.
“Millions now select to look at content material on video-on-demand platforms alongside or, within the case of many younger folks, as an alternative of conventional TV.
“The Media Act introduced vital updates to our regulatory framework which this government is committed to implementing.
“By bringing the most well-liked video-on-demand providers underneath enhanced regulation by Ofcom, we’re strengthening protections for audiences, making a stage taking part in subject for trade and supporting our vibrant media sector that continues to innovate and drive development throughout the UK.”
A public consultation will follow to establish the video-on-demand standards code, giving the public and streamers the chance to put forward their views on what should be included.
The standards code will come into effect one year after it is published by Ofcom
The transfer comes as growing numbers of viewers are abandoning conventional tv for on-demand streaming platforms.
Two-thirds of households subscribe to not less than certainly one of Netflix, Amazon Prime Video or Disney+, with 85% of individuals utilizing an on-demand service every month, in contrast with 67% who watch reside TV, in accordance with Ofcom’s 2025 Media Nations report.
Earlier this month, Sky introduced it could be bringing Disney+, Netflix, Hayu and HBO Max together underneath one subscription for the primary time.
