Gov Consults on UK Regulation of Internet Video Streaming Services

At present traditional linear TV channels, such as BBC 1 and Sky, are regulated differently from on-demand broadband-based TV (IPTV) services like Netflix, Amazon and Apple TV. But the UK government has launched a consultation that seeks to “level the regulatory playing field,” which may force streaming services to adopt stricter rules.

Except for BBC’s iPlayer platform, the Government notes that streaming services are not subject to Ofcom’s Broadcasting Code which sets out appropriate standards for content including harmful or offensive material, accuracy, fairness and privacy. For example, there are some protections for under-18s but minimal rules exist to regulate content. “There are very few rules to protect audiences, for example, from misleading health advice or pseudoscience documentaries,” said the announcement.

Some service providers have taken welcome steps to introduce their own standards and procedures for audience protection – such as pin-codes and content warnings – but the extent of these measures varies across services. Age ratings are also inconsistent and sometimes non-existent.

One other reason for all this is that such streaming services aren’t always based in the UK. For example, Netflix UK is actually subject to Dutch regulation because it’s based in the Netherlands.

Culture Secretary, Oliver Dowden MP, said:

“We want to give UK audiences peace of mind that however they watch TV in the digital age, the shows they enjoy are held to the same high standards that British broadcasting is world-renowned for.

It is right that now we have left the EU, we look at introducing proportionate new rules so that UK audiences are protected from harm.”

However, the Government does recognise that not all VoD providers deliver a TV-like experience, so any regulatory change will need to be proportionate, particularly for smaller or niche services, to ensure essential protections like freedom of speech are not affected.

The consultation itself is open for 8 weeks and closes on 26th October. It will be followed by a wide-ranging broadcasting White Paper into the future of broadcasting, which will be published this autumn.