New rules – UK government knuckling down on streaming giants

Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video are among the streamers who will be given new rules bringing them in line with traditional broadcasters

This comes as streaming services are set to be regulated by Ofcom for the first time in the U-K

Under the new government policy, Ofcom regulation would protect audiences from harmful material and boost accuracy, fairness and privacy for British audiences.

Department for Culture, Media and Sport says the proposals are intended to create a “new golden age” of British TV and “help the nation’s public service broadcasters thrive”.

Culture Secretary labels UK TV as an “the envy of the world” and says brits are delivering ground-breaking public service programs

The reform aims to support British broadcasters and revamp decades-old laws to help public service compete in the internet age.

While linear TV channels must currently abide by Ofcom rules, most Video on Demand services are not currently subject to the regulator’s Broadcasting Code.

The move is welcomed by public service broadcasters, who have been lobbying for streaming services to face the same regulations as them for several years.

BBC iPlayer is the only streaming service which has to abide by Ofcom’s Broadcasting Code.

But the new measures mean Ofcom would have the powers to ensure all streamers are subject to stricter rules.

The government said the maximum fine for regulated streaming services who break the rules will be £250,000, or an amount up to 5 per cent of an organisation’s revenue, whichever is higher.