Ofcom Streaming Services: ofcom streaming services face broadcast‑style rules for Netflix, Disney+ and Prime Video
ofcom streaming services are being brought under enhanced regulation that treats major video‑on‑demand platforms like traditional broadcasters, the government has confirmed. The changes, implemented under the Media Act 2024, set thresholds and enforcement powers that will give Ofcom new ability to investigate complaints and impose penalties.
Scope and Tier 1 designation
The new legislation automatically designates any video‑on‑demand platform with more than half a million users as a "Tier 1" service and brings it under a new VoD standards code similar to the Broadcasting Code followed by the, ITV and Sky News. The government said the Media Act 2024 will apply to video‑on‑demand services that have more than 500, 000 UK viewers.
Who is brought under rules
Streaming giants named for enhanced regulation include Netflix, Amazon's Prime Video and Disney+. The regime will also apply to public service broadcaster video‑on‑demand services such as ITVX and Channel 4, and to catch‑up services described as ITV X and Channel 4 in recent coverage. Some of the UK's most popular streaming services were not regulated at all until now.
Ofcom Streaming Services: complaints and fines
Ofcom will have the power to accept and investigate complaints from viewers about content on streaming platforms, and to impose fines of up to £250, 000, or 5% of revenue generated in the UK, for each breach. 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.
News accuracy and harmful content
Under the new regulatory regime platforms will have to adhere to rules on accurate and impartial news reporting and on protecting audiences from "harmful or offensive" material. The legislation aims to ensure that news is reported accurately and impartially and that audiences, particularly children, are protected against harmful or offensive content.
Accessibility, subtitles and iPlayer
Until now, only licensed television channels had to comply with Ofcom's broadcasting code and accessibility requirements, such as subtitles, meaning many streaming services were not regulated to the same standard. 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.
Netflix has not been regulated in the UK at all; because its European headquarters are in Amsterdam, it has come under Dutch laws.
Household reach and viewing statistics
The government highlighted audience reach in setting the rules: two‑thirds of UK households subscribe to at least one of the three biggest streaming services – Netflix, Prime Video or Disney+ – and 85% of people use an on‑demand service each month, compared with 67% who watch live TV.
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy welcomed the changes, saying: "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. " Nandy added: "The Media Act introduced vital updates to our regulatory framework which this government is committed to implementing. "
She also said: "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. "
The new rules mark a shift from a system where only licensed TV channels had to follow the Broadcasting Code and accessibility rules, to one that applies broadcast‑style oversight to major streaming platforms and specified public service VoD offerings.
Closing: The Media Act 2024 establishes the threshold, the Tier 1 designation and enforcement powers that place Netflix, Amazon's Prime Video, Disney+, ITVX, ITV X, Channel 4 and other qualifying VoD services under enhanced Ofcom scrutiny, with fines and complaint mechanisms available for breaches.
