UK to censor Netflix, Amazon Prime and Disney+ in crackdown on streaming services

The Starmer Labour Party is moving to regulate the country’s biggest streaming platforms, putting services like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video under the same content rules as traditional broadcasters. The change means Ofcom will now oversee major video-on-demand platforms that until now largely operated outside the UK’s broadcasting code, reports Sky News.

Under the new framework, any streaming service with more than 500,000 UK users will be designated a “Tier 1” platform.

That includes Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, and catch-up services such as ITVX and Channel 4. These platforms will be required to comply with standards on harmful or offensive material, impartial news coverage, and accessibility requirements including subtitles.

The legislation gives Ofcom the authority to accept viewer complaints and launch investigations into streaming services, similar to its existing powers over licensed television channels.

The maximum penalty for breaches will be £250,000 or up to 5% of qualifying revenue per violation.

Until now, only traditional broadcasters were subject to Ofcom’s Broadcasting Code. Some major streaming platforms were not regulated in the UK at all. Video-on-demand services operated by the BBC, including BBC iPlayer, remain regulated under the Broadcasting Code through the BBC Framework Agreement, but will later transition to the new VoD standards code.

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." She added, "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.”

The new standards code will be developed following a public consultation. It will take effect one year after Ofcom publishes the final version.