
Netflix, Disney+ could face stiffer SVOD regulations in the U.K.
As the U.K. government pursues a potential sale of public broadcast operation Channel 4, it will also look at whether tighter oversight of U.S. | As the U.K. government pursues a potential sale of public broadcast operation Channel 4, it will also look at whether tighter oversight of U.S...
As the U.K. government pursues a potential sale of public broadcast operation Channel 4, it will also look at whether tighter oversight of U.S. streaming services is needed.
It could mean that Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+ and others would soon be subject to similar rules as traditional linear broadcasters including the BBC, ITV and Sky. New rules under consideration include changes to age ratings and addressing impartiality and accuracy rules for documentaries and news content along with “measures to level the playing field so public service broadcasters can compete with international rivals.”
“The time has come to look at how we can unleash the potential of our public service broadcasters while also making sure viewers and listeners consuming content on new formats are served by a fair and well-functioning system,” said U.K. Digital Secretary Oliver Dowden in a statement. “So, we’ll now be looking at how we can help make sure Channel 4 keeps its place at the heart of British broadcasting and level the playing field between broadcasters and video-on-demand services.”