Ofcom Streaming Services: Government confirms broadcast‑style regulation for Netflix, Disney+ and more

The UK has moved to bring its largest on‑demand platforms under tighter oversight: ofcom streaming services will now face rules similar to those already applied to traditional broadcasters, a shift that changes how content, accessibility and news impartiality are enforced online.

Ofcom Streaming Services to follow broadcasting code and accessibility rules

The legislation requires the UK's biggest video‑on‑demand services to follow the same rules on content and accessibility as traditional broadcasters. Until now, only licensed television channels had to comply with Ofcom's broadcasting code and accessibility requirements such as subtitles, leaving many popular streaming services unregulated in the UK or not regulated to the same standard.

Which platforms fall under the new regime: Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, ITV X and Channel 4

The change brings streaming giants including Netflix, Amazon Prime Video and Disney+ under enhanced regulation by Ofcom, and also extends to catch‑up and public service broadcaster video‑on‑demand services like ITV X and Channel 4. The context materials name catch‑up services such as ITV X and Channel 4 specifically, and refer to public service broadcaster (PSB) VoD services such as ITVX and Channel 4.

VoD services provided by the, such as iPlayer, will continue to be regulated under the Broadcasting Code the Framework Agreement for now, but will later be brought under the VoD standards code.

Thresholds, Tier 1 designation and the new VoD standards code

The legislation will impact streaming services with more than 500, 000 UK users and establishes that under the new rules any video‑on‑demand platform with more than half a million users will automatically be designated a "Tier 1" service. Tier 1 services will be brought under a new VoD standards code that will be similar to the Broadcasting Code followed by traditional broadcasters such as the, ITV and Sky News.

Ofcom gains complaint and investigatory powers for streaming platforms

Under the new framework Ofcom will have the power to accept viewer complaints and investigate streaming platforms in the same way it currently does with broadcast television. Audiences will be able to complain to Ofcom and, if it considers there has been a breach of the code, it will have the power to take action.

Legislative aims and Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy's message

The new legislation aims to ensure that news is reported accurately and impartially and that audiences — particularly children — are protected against "harmful or offensive" material. Culture Secretary 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. "

Lisa Nandy added that "The Media Act introduced vital updates to our regulatory framework which this government is committed to implementing. By bringing the most popular video‑on‑demand services under enhanced regulation by Ofcom, we are strengthening protections for audiences, creating a level playing field for industry and supporting our vibrant media sector that continues to innovate and drive growth across the UK. "

With the changes now being implemented, the status of ofcom streaming services will shift from a largely self‑regulated online environment to one operating under broadcast‑style obligations on content, accessibility and impartiality.