LONDON, Feb 24 (Reuters) - Britain said on Tuesday Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+ and other streamers would be required to follow the same rules on content and accessibility as traditional
UK to Place Netflix and Other Streamers Under Broadcaster Rules
UK Brings Streamers Under Ofcom’s Broadcasting Code
LONDON, Feb 24 (Reuters) - Britain said on Tuesday Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+ and other streamers would be required to follow the same rules on content and accessibility as traditional broadcasters like the BBC.
Adoption and Usage Trends
Two-thirds of households subscribe to at least one major streamer, with 85% of people using an on-demand service each month, compared to 67% who watch live TV, the government said.
Accessibility Services (Subtitles)
Purpose of the Rule Change
Bringing the services into the scope of regulator Ofcom's broadcasting code would protect audiences from harmful content, and ensure the provision of accessibility services like subtitles, it said.
User Threshold: 500,000+
User Threshold and Standards
Streaming services with more than 500,000 UK users will have to adhere to the new standards, which include ensuring news is reported accurately and impartially and audiences are protected against harmful or offensive material.
Enforcement and Investigations
Ofcom will have powers to investigate and take action where they consider there has been a breach of the code, it said.
(Reporting by Paul Sandle; editing by William James)
