Ofcom, the UK’s media regulator, has announced new rules for big streaming services like Netflix. These rules will make streaming platforms follow similar standards as regular TV channels. It’s all part of a plan called the Media Bill, and it’s going to take about two years to put everything in place.
You must also remember the whole row of regulating streaming services in India. There have been multiple instances when the government has hinted at bringing regulatory laws but nothing substantial is in sight as of now.
Here’s how it’s going to happen:
First, Ofcom will spend the next year talking to different people in the media industry and studying how people watch videos online. They want to understand what viewers like and what they need to stay safe.
At the same time, Ofcom will note down the rules that streaming services need to follow. They’ll decide which services will have to follow these rules. Once the rules are ready, streaming services will have one year to start following them completely. They won’t get penalized until 2026.
The goal of these rules is to protect viewers, especially children, from harmful content. They also want to make sure streaming services play fair, just like regular TV channels do.
Streaming services, like Netflix, have mixed feelings about these rules. While they agree with some parts, they’re worried that the rules might limit what they can show. They also fear it could affect their ability to make documentaries available to UK viewers. And it is pretty obvious but also an overkill. Given the degree of democracy in the UK, it will hardly impact the majority of the content.
Along with the streaming rules, the Media Bill will also bring in new laws about how TV channels are promoted. It will also let Channel 4 make its own shows for the first time.
Ofcom will be talking more about how Channel 4 can make its own programs while still working with other companies. These new rules will change things for both streaming services and viewers, and we promise to keep you updated of everything that follows.
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