Netflix, Disney+ and other major streaming services face stricter UK oversight

Source: Engadget

Overview

Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video and other major video‑on‑demand (VOD) services will face stricter regulation in the UK. Platforms with a monthly average of more than 500,000 UK viewers are designated “Tier 1” services and will be subject to oversight similar to broadcasters such as the BBC and ITV, under the media watchdog Ofcom.

Tier 1 Designation

• Eligibility: Services with ≥ 500,000 UK viewers per month.
• Scope: Includes public‑broadcaster‑run services like ITVX and Channel 4.
• Exemptions (for now): BBC iPlayer, which is regulated under the Broadcasting Code, though the government plans to bring it under the same framework as commercial VOD services.

The government notes that 85 % of people use an on‑demand service each month, while 67 % watch live TV, and that two‑thirds of UK households subscribe to at least one of Netflix, Prime Video or Disney+.

Regulatory Requirements

Content Standards

• Accuracy and impartiality must be upheld.
• Platforms must protect audiences from “harmful or offensive” material.
• Ofcom can accept viewer complaints, investigate alleged breaches, and impose penalties of up to £250,000 or 5 % of qualifying revenue per breach.

Accessibility Code

• At least 80 % of catalogues must be subtitled.
• 10 % must have audio descriptions.
• 5 % must be signed.
• Tier 1 platforms have four years to meet these requirements.

The standards code will be finalized after a public consultation and will come into force one year after Ofcom publishes it. The government expects more than 20 platforms to be covered.

Exclusions

• Video‑sharing platforms such as YouTube are excluded, as they fall under the Online Safety Act. However, individual channels on those platforms could still be subject to the VOD standards code.

Government Statements

“With UK audiences increasingly favoring on‑demand platforms over live TV, we want to ensure that no one is left behind, and that everyone can enjoy the huge range of content available on video‑on‑demand services,” said Media Minister Ian Murray in a statement.
“Implementing a new Ofcom‑regulated accessibility code for our largest video‑on‑demand services will give people with disabilities impacting their sight or hearing peace of mind that they’ll be able to stream all their favourite films and TV shows long into the future.”
— Government announcement

Current Oversight Landscape

• Existing statutory rules already apply to platforms such as Prime Video, Disney+, Paramount+, Discovery+, Hayu and ITVX.
• Netflix currently falls outside Ofcom’s remit because its European base is in the Netherlands, where the Dutch media regulator oversees it.

The new rules are being implemented under the Media Act 2024.

Sources

• UK government news releases
• Variety article
• Ofcom guidance on VOD services.