The UK government has announced that major streaming platforms will now be regulated by Ofcom, bringing them in line with traditional broadcasters.
Under the new policy, popular services such as Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney+ will be required to follow the same content standards that apply to TV broadcasters.
The changes, to be introduced through secondary legislation, will apply to video-on-demand platforms with more than 500,000 UK users.
These platforms must comply with Ofcom’s Broadcasting Code, ensuring protection against harmful or offensive material and meeting accessibility standards, including the provision of subtitles.
The government stated that companies could face fines of up to £250,000 per breach or 5% of their qualifying revenue.
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said the move reflects changing viewing habits, noting that many people—especially younger audiences—now prefer streaming services over traditional television.
She added that the updated regulations aim to strengthen audience protection, create fair competition within the industry, and support growth in the UK’s media sector.
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