Ofcom unveils draft code for streaming regulation

The UK government’s recent Media Act granted Ofcom powers to create and enforce a content standards code for streaming services.

Ofcom’s draft code, published this week, introduces new rules governing major streaming services such as Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney+.

For the first time, the platforms will be held to rules around harmful and offensive content, fairness and privacy, and impartiality and accuracy in news.

Some streamers, such as Netflix, which are not based in the UK, have fallen outside Ofcom’s regulation entirely, even though they target and profit from UK audiences.

The regulator’s proposed content standards code for ‘Tier 1’ streaming services broadly mirrors the UK’s existing broadcasting rules. However, it is tailored to reflect the differences between traditional, scheduled broadcast TV, and on-demand content. 

Alongside this, Ofcom is consulting on a proposed code that sets new accessibility requirements for streaming services. As a result, more than 18 million people with sight or hearing disabilities can enjoy content using subtitles, audio description, and sign language.

Services must, as a minimum, subtitle 80% of their catalogue, audio describe 10%, and provide signing for 5%. Poor-quality access features will not count towards quotas.

Cristina Nicolotti Squires, Group Director for Broadcasting and Media at Ofcom, said: “Audiences today want to watch great content across different on-demand platforms with the same reassurance and confidence they have when viewing traditional broadcast television.

“Our proposed new content standards code for the largest and most popular streaming services will, for the first time, deliver the clear and consistent protections that audiences need and expect. We’re also making sure that people with sight and hearing conditions can also enjoy popular streaming content by setting strong new accessibility requirements.”

Sky research recently found that the UK is capable of fully moving to internet-delivered TV in the 2030s – if the UK Government sets a clear timetable and invests in targeted help for those most at risk of digital exclusion. Discover more here.