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UK Cracks Down on Streaming Giants: New Ofcom Powers
24 Feb
Summary
- Streaming services with over 500,000 UK users face new Ofcom rules.
- New legislation empowers Ofcom to investigate complaints on streaming platforms.
- The changes aim to ensure accurate news and protect audiences from harmful content.
The UK is implementing new legislation that will bring major streaming services under enhanced regulation by Ofcom, the country's communications watchdog. Services such as Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney+, which have over 500,000 UK users, will be required to adhere to similar rules as traditional broadcasters.
This move significantly expands Ofcom's powers to accept viewer complaints and investigate VoD platforms. The new standards code, to be developed through public consultation, is intended to ensure accurate and impartial news reporting and safeguard audiences against offensive material. Public service broadcaster VoD services like ITVX and Channel 4 are also included, though BBC iPlayer will continue under existing regulations for the time being.
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy stated that this legislation strengthens audience protections and creates a level playing field for the industry. The changes reflect the fundamental shift in how audiences consume content, with a growing preference for on-demand platforms over traditional live television. The VoD standards code is expected to come into effect one year after its publication.
