Streaming platforms in the U.K. are set to come under “enhanced regulation” from media regulator Ofcom, which already oversees television and radio broadcasting in the country. The rules will give Ofcom the power to accept viewer complaints and investigate streaming platforms.
The U.K. government is set to implement another layer of legislation to the Media Act 2024 to bring video on demand services in the U.K. under Ofcom’s eye. It will apply to the biggest streaming platforms including Netflix, Amazon’s Prime Video and Disney+ as well as broadcaster platforms such as ITVX and Channel 4.
Any video on demand platform with more than 500,000 users will automatically be designated a “Tier 1” service, bringing them under a new video on demand standards code, which will be similar to the Broadcasting Code followed by traditional broadcasters such as the BBC and ITV.
The code will include rules on accuracy and impartiality and protecting audiences against “harmful or offensive” material. Where Ofcom considers there has been a breach of the code they will have the power to take action.
There will be a public consultation to establish the video on demand standards code, giving the public and streamers to put forward their views on what should be included.
The news comes as increasing numbers of viewers abandon traditional television for on demand streaming platforms. According to the latest report from U.K. ratings body Barb, live TV viewing dropped significantly between 2022 and 2025, from 60% to 45% of all viewing. It also found that a third of audiences who turned on a TV set in the U.K. went to streaming platforms or YouTube as their first choice of viewing — the same number as those who went to traditional broadcasters. (The final third was miscellaneous).
“We know that the way audiences watch TV has fundamentally changed,” said culture secretary Lisa Nandy. “Millions now choose to watch content on video-on-demand platforms alongside or, in the case of many young people, instead of traditional TV.”
“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 U.K.”