The UK’s biggest video-on-demand services, including the likes of ITVX, Channel 4, Netflix and Amazon Prime Video, are to be brought under enhanced regulation by Ofcom.
The additional watchdog scrutiny is designed to better protect children and the most vulnerable, forming part of the government’s implementation of the 2024 Media Act.
VoD services with over 500,000 UK users will become ‘Tier 1’ services, meaning they will need to comply with the new standards and accessibility codes on similar Ofcom content rules to those currently in place for traditional broadcasters.
The VoD accessibility code will set minimum requirements for accessibility features, such as subtitles, and services will need to ensure that at least 80% of their total catalogue is subtitled, 10% is audio-described and 5% is signed.
While licensed television channels must comply with Ofcom’s Broadcasting Code and accessibility requirements, major VoD platforms are not regulated to the same standard as-yet.
This is despite a shift in audience behaviour which sees two-thirds of households subscribing to at least one of Netflix, Amazon Prime Video or Disney+ and 85% of people using an on-demand service each month compared with 67% watching live television.
DCMS says the lack of regulation poses a risk to audiences and a lack of consistency across TV and TV-like services, with the government seeking to create a more level playing field to ensure audiences, particularly children and parents, can be confident that protections from harmful material are in place on traditional broadcast channels or popular streamers.
The maximum fine per breach of a rule for a VoD service will be £250,000 or 5% of qualifying revenue.
“We know that the way audiences watch TV has fundamentally changed,” said secretary of state for culture, media and sport Lisa Nandy.
“The Media Act introduced vital updates to our regulatory framework which this government is committed to implementing.”
Ofcom will soon begin a public consultation on the new VoD standards and accessibility codes.
This story first appeared on Screen’s sister site Broadcast
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