NEWS: UK Looking to Regulate Streaming Services Like Disney+ and Netflix

Digital streaming is a major way many of us find ourselves watching shows and movies today.

©Disney

The UK is taking steps to possibly change how U.S. streamers, including Disney+, Netflix, and Amazon Prime, may now be regulated.

According to Deadline, as of June 22, 2021, Ministers at the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport are now considering proposals to regulate streaming services to align with British Broadcasting laws. There are currently no regulations in place for most streaming platforms in the UK.

©Netflix

Boris Johnson’s government will be focusing on rules regarding appropriate content age ratings, harmful material, and impartiality and validity standards for news programs and documentaries.

©Amazon

Ofcom, the UK media regulator, is responsible for regulations regarding British broadcasters, but the only streaming service they currently regulate is BBC iPlayer.

©Disney

The British government specifically referenced Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Disney+, “which together have nearly 30M subscribers in the UK, according to Britain’s ratings authority, the Broadcasters’ Audience Research Board,” as reported by Deadline. We do not yet know exactly how these new regulations may impact subscribers. Keep following AllEars for more news!