The biggest streaming services will fall under Ofcom regulation for the first time under new legislation announced on 24 February.
The new rules will see any streaming service with more than 500,000 users held to similar standards as traditional broadcasts, meaning viewers can submit complaints directly to the watchdog, and platforms will have to comply with a new video-on-demand standards code.
The amendment to the Media Act 2024 could also bring stricter accessibility requirements, including minimum quotas for subtitles, audio description and sign language.
UK Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said: ‘By bringing the most popular video-on-demand services under enhanced regulation by Ofcom, we are strengthening protections for audiences, creating a level playing field for industry and supporting our vibrant media sector that continues to innovate and drive growth across the UK.’
It will apply to Netflix, Prime Video and Disney+, as well as ITVX and Channel 4 — however, not BBC iPlayer or YouTube (which is already subject to the UK’s Online Safety Act 2023).
A public consultation will now follow to shape the final code and the standards code is expected to come into effect in one year.
