Streaming giants to be regulated by Ofcom
Major streaming platforms will face tighter regulation in the UK under new Media Act rules placing large video-on-demand services under enhanced Ofcom supervision.
Major platforms including Netflix, Prime Video and Disney+ will face tighter oversight in the UK under new legislation bringing them under enhanced regulation by Ofcom.
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Video-on-demand services with more than 500,000 UK users will be designated “Tier 1” and required to follow a new standards code similar to the Broadcasting Code that governs traditional broadcasters such as BBC and ITV.
Public service VoD platforms including ITVX and Channel 4 will also fall under the updated framework, while BBC iPlayer remains regulated separately for now.
The changes, introduced under the Media Act, will allow viewers to lodge complaints directly with Ofcom, which will have powers to investigate and act against breaches involving harmful or offensive material.
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said the move reflects changing viewing habits and will strengthen audience protections while creating a level playing field across the industry.
The new VoD standards code is expected to come into force one year after Ofcom publishes it, following a public consultation.