Ofcom to Oversee Major Streaming Platforms Under New UK Legislation
The United Kingdom's media landscape is set for a significant regulatory shift as major streaming services, including Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney+, will be brought under the oversight of Ofcom. This move, enacted through new secondary legislation, subjects the largest video-on-demand (VoD) platforms to "enhanced regulation" by the watchdog, aligning them more closely with traditional broadcasters.
Expanding Regulatory Reach
Under the new framework, any VoD service with over 500,000 users in the UK will automatically be classified as a "Tier 1" service. This designation requires adherence to a new VoD standards code, which mirrors the existing Broadcasting Code that governs licensed television channels. Previously, many popular streaming platforms operated without such regulatory scrutiny or were not held to the same standards within the UK.
The legislation empowers Ofcom to accept viewer complaints and launch investigations into these platforms, a role it already performs for broadcast television. This expanded remit will also include public service broadcaster VoD services such as ITVX and Channel 4. However, BBC VoD services like BBC iPlayer will initially remain exempt, continuing under the Broadcasting Code via the BBC Framework Agreement, though they are intended to be included in the future.
Objectives and Industry Impact
The primary goals of this regulatory update are to ensure accurate and impartial news reporting and to protect audiences from "harmful or offensive" material. Viewers will now have the ability to lodge complaints directly with Ofcom, which will then possess the authority to investigate alleged breaches of the code and take appropriate action.
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy emphasized the necessity of these changes, stating, "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." She added that the Media Act introduced vital updates to the regulatory framework, strengthening audience protections, creating a level playing field for the industry, and supporting the UK's vibrant media sector.
Public Consultation and Implementation
A public consultation will be launched to establish the specific VoD standards code, allowing both the public and streaming providers to contribute their perspectives. The finalised code is expected to come into effect one year after its publication by Ofcom.
This regulatory shift reflects the significant migration of viewers from traditional television to on-demand streaming. According to Ofcom's 2025 Media Nations report, two-thirds of households subscribe to at least one of Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, or Disney+, with 85 per cent of people using an on-demand service monthly, compared to 67 per cent who watch live TV.
The move aims to address the growing influence of streaming platforms in the UK media ecosystem, ensuring that as viewing habits evolve, consumer protections and industry standards keep pace. By bringing these services under Ofcom's purview, the government seeks to foster a fair and competitive environment while safeguarding public interests in an increasingly digital age.
