Finance
UK to regulate Netflix and other streamers in line with broadcasters
Published by Global Banking & Finance Review®
Posted on February 24, 2026
1 min readLast updated: February 24, 2026
Global Banking & Finance Review®
Company
Published by Global Banking & Finance Review®
Posted on February 24, 2026
1 min readLast updated: February 24, 2026
Britain will require Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+ and others to follow Ofcom’s broadcasting code, aligning content standards and accessibility with TV broadcasters. Ofcom will be able to investigate and act on breaches.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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)
The UK plans to apply Ofcom’s broadcasting-style rules to streaming services like Netflix, Prime Video and Disney+, aligning standards and accessibility with traditional broadcasters.
They include protections against harmful or offensive content, due accuracy and impartiality for news, and accessibility obligations such as subtitles, signing and audio description.
Ofcom will oversee compliance, handle complaints, and investigate potential breaches, with powers to take enforcement action where necessary.
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