On Tuesday, the UK government declared that streaming platforms such as Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney+ will be subjected to the same regulatory requirements concerning content and accessibility as traditional broadcasters, such as the BBC. This move comes at a time when two-thirds of households are subscribed to at least one major streaming service and 85% use an on-demand service monthly, highlighting the growing significance of streaming in the media landscape compared to traditional live television viewing, which stands at 67%.

The inclusion of streaming services under the jurisdiction of the UK's broadcasting code by the regulatory authority Ofcom aims to safeguard audiences from harmful content and ensure the provision of critical accessibility services, such as subtitles. The UK government emphasized that these new standards will necessitate accurate and impartial news coverage, ensuring that audiences receive reliable information from streaming platforms, which have over 500,000 users in the UK.

This regulatory shift is a landmark decision in the evolution of broadcasting in the UK, recognizing the substantial impact and reach of streaming services in the digital age. By enforcing these standards, the UK government aims to create a level playing field between traditional broadcasters and newcomers in the streaming arena, thereby enhancing content quality and audience protections across the board.