Netflix, Disney+, and Prime Video Face UK Regulation Overhaul

Streaming giants Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney+ are set to come under stricter regulation in the UK, bringing them in line with traditional broadcasters like the BBC, and ITV. The changes, implemented through the Media Act 2024, will give Ofcom, the UK’s communications regulator, greater oversight of these platforms.

What’s Changing?

Under the new rules, video-on-demand (VoD) services with over 500,000 UK viewers will be designated as “Tier 1” services and will be required to adhere to a new VoD standards code. This code will mirror the Broadcasting Code currently applied to traditional broadcasters, covering areas such as accuracy and impartiality in news reporting, and protection of audiences from harmful or offensive material.

Ofcom will gain the power to investigate complaints from viewers and impose fines of up to £250,000, or 5% of a platform’s UK revenue, for breaches of the code.

Accessibility Requirements

A key aspect of the new regulations focuses on accessibility. Streaming services will be required to meet minimum standards for subtitling, audio description, and signing, mirroring requirements already in place for traditional broadcasters. Specifically, mainstream streaming services will need to ensure that at least 80% of their total catalogue is subtitled, 10% is audio-described, and 5% is signed. This change is expected to benefit the estimated 18 million people in the UK with disabilities impacting their sight or hearing.

Which Services Are Affected?

The regulations will apply to major streaming platforms including Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, ITVX, and Channel 4. However, VoD services provided by the BBC, such as BBC iPlayer, will continue to be regulated under the existing BBC Framework Agreement for the time being.

Why the Change?

According to UK Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy, the changes reflect the shift in how people consume television. “Millions now choose to watch content on video-on-demand platforms alongside or, in the case of many young people, instead of traditional TV,” she stated. The government aims to strengthen protections for audiences, create a level playing field for the industry, and support the UK’s media sector.

Public Consultation and Timeline

A public consultation will be held to gather views on the specifics of the VoD standards code. Once published by Ofcom, the new standards code will come into effect one year later.

The move comes as on-demand services continue to gain popularity, with 85% of people in the UK using an on-demand service each month, compared to 67% who watch live TV.