UK to Regulate Netflix and Disney+ Like TV Broadcasters

EN brief: 넷플릭스도 규제 대상…英 스트리밍 규제 강화 (culture) + 1 glossary term.

Summary

The British government is moving to implement broadcasting-level regulations on major global streaming services as VOD consumption continues to rise. This shift aims to bring digital platforms under the same scrutiny as traditional television stations.

According to reports from IT media outlets like Engadget, the UK plans to designate streaming platforms with more than 500,000 monthly viewers as "Tier 1" services. These platforms will fall under the direct supervision of Ofcom, the UK's communications regulator.

Major players including Netflix, Disney+, and Amazon Prime Video are expected to be the primary targets of these new rules. This marks a significant departure from the relatively hands-off approach previously applied to internet-based content providers.

While streaming services have enjoyed more flexibility in the past, the new Media Act 2024 seeks to ensure that digital content adheres to the same standards of accuracy and fairness expected of public service broadcasters.

Full story (translated & rewritten)

Under the proposed regulations, Tier 1 streaming services must comply with strict standards regarding content accuracy and impartiality. They are also required to protect users from harmful or offensive material. If a platform is found to be in violation, it could face heavy fines of up to £250,000 (approximately 486 million KRW) or 5% of its relevant turnover. Furthermore, the regulator will now have the power to investigate viewer complaints directly.

Accessibility is another major pillar of this legislative update. Tier 1 platforms will be required to provide subtitles for at least 80% of their content. Additionally, 10% of content must include audio descriptions, and 5% must offer sign language services. To allow companies time to adjust, the government is granting a grace period of up to four years to meet these specific accessibility quotas.

Government estimates suggest that more than 20 platforms will eventually fall under these new categories. The move is seen as an effort to modernize media laws that were originally written before the dominance of high-speed internet and on-demand streaming.

Interestingly, the video-sharing giant YouTube is excluded from these specific VOD regulations. This is because YouTube is already governed by separate Online Safety Act regulations, which focus more on user-generated content and platform safety rather than traditional broadcasting standards.

Context

• Ofcom is the UK's government-approved regulatory authority for broadcasting, telecommunications, and postal industries.
• The Media Act 2024 is the primary legislative vehicle for these changes, updating laws that have been in place for decades.
• Traditional UK broadcasters like the BBC and ITV have long argued for a "level playing field" with global tech giants.

Source

• Link: https://www.digitaltoday.co.kr/news/articleView.html?idxno=634023