In short
- The British government wants to regulate streaming platforms such as Netflix and Amazon Prime Video and subject them to the same rules as traditional broadcasters.
- That rule change is intended to protect viewers from harmful content and ensure accessibility for everyone.
- Streaming services with more than 500,000 users in the United Kingdom will have to deal with these new obligations.
The British government announced plans on Tuesday to bring streaming services under the same rules as traditional broadcasters. This measure affects popular platforms such as Netflix, Amazon Prime Video and Disney+ and is intended to protect viewers and ensure the accessibility of content.
A changing viewing landscape
With two-thirds of households subscribing to at least one major streaming service and 85 percent using on-demand platforms monthly, compared to 67 percent who watch live TV, the government says new rules are needed.
By bringing streaming services under Ofcom‘s broadcasting code, the aim is to protect viewers from harmful content and ensure accessibility, such as subtitles.
New obligations
Streaming platforms with more than 500,000 users in the UK must adhere to these new standards. Those standards include maintaining accuracy and impartiality in news reporting and protecting viewers from potentially harmful or offensive material. Ofcom will have the power to investigate alleged breaches of the code and take appropriate action.
The question is whether other countries, including Belgium, will follow suit and impose similar rules on streaming services such as Disney+, Netflix and Prime Video.
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