Major streaming platforms will face new Ofcom rules designed to align them with traditional broadcasters.
The government is laying secondary legislation to implement the Media Act 2024, bringing the largest video on demand services used by more than 500,000 people in the UK under enhanced regulation by Ofcom.
Services including Netflix, Amazon Prime Video and Disney+, alongside public service platforms such as ITVX and Channel 4, will be required to follow similar content standards to licensed television channels.
The move reflects a shift in viewing habits. Two thirds of households subscribe to at least one of the three major global platforms, while 85% of people use an on demand service each month, compared with 67% who watch live television.
While linear broadcasters must comply with the Broadcasting Code and accessibility quotas, many on demand services are not currently regulated to the same standard in the UK. Some fall outside UK oversight altogether.
The government says this will create a level regulatory framework and ensure audiences, particularly children and parents, are protected from harmful material regardless of how they access content.
Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport Lisa Nandy said: “We know that the way audiences watch TV has fundamentally changed. Millions now choose to watch content on video-on-demand platforms alongside or, in the case of many young people, instead of traditional TV.”
Under the new regime, designated Tier 1 services will have to comply with a VoD standards code covering due accuracy in news and protections against harmful or offensive material.
Viewers will be able to complain directly to Ofcom, which will have powers to investigate and take action where breaches are found.
A separate accessibility code will require at least 80% of catalogue hours to carry subtitles, 10% to be audio described and 5% to be signed.
Ofcom is expected to begin a public consultation on both codes shortly.
