Government Confirms Broadcast-Style Regulation for Netflix, Disney+ and More

The UK is implementing new rules that will impact some of the biggest names in streaming entertainment – Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, ITV X, and Channel 4, among others. These platforms will now have to adhere to guidelines around content and accessibility, just like traditional broadcast television channels do.

Under this enhanced regulation by Ofcom, streaming services with over 500,000 users in the UK will have to follow rules on news impartiality and avoiding harmful or offensive content. This is a big change, as streaming services were not previously held to the same standards as traditional TV channels.

Platforms like Netflix will be designated as “Tier 1” services under the new VoD standards code, ensuring that news is reported accurately and that viewers, especially children, are protected from harmful material. If viewers have complaints about any of these services, they can now take them to Ofcom for review.

This build-up marks a significant shift towards more comprehensive regulation in the realm of streaming entertainment, bringing these services in line with the same standards as we have long expected from broadcast television.