The UK government on Tuesday announced that major streaming platforms, including Netflix, Disney’s Disney+, and Amazon’s Prime Video, will be required to comply with broadcasting regulations designed to protect children and vulnerable viewers.
Gatekeepers News reports that under the new policy, video-on-demand platforms with more than 500,000 UK users will have to follow content and accessibility standards similar to those imposed on traditional television broadcasters. These rules will be enforced by the UK’s communications regulator, Ofcom.
The regulations will include stronger “protections from harmful material” as well as requirements to improve accessibility through subtitles, sign-language interpretation, and audio-described programming.
The government, led by Prime Minister Keir Starmer, said the decision reflects the rapid shift in viewing habits, with more audiences—especially younger viewers—choosing streaming platforms over conventional television.
“We know that the way audiences watch TV has fundamentally changed,” Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said in a statement.
“Millions now choose to watch content on video-on-demand platforms alongside or, in the case of many young people, instead of traditional TV.”
The government added that Ofcom will soon launch a public consultation on the proposed streaming standards and accessibility requirements, allowing industry stakeholders and the public to provide feedback before the rules are finalised.
