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\n\t\t\t\t\tIn Britain, Netflix, Disney+ and ITVX will be regulated by media watchdog the same as TV broadcasters. Will Australia follow suit?\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n
Britain\u2019s media regulator Ofcom is set to put streaming giants under the same regulation as television broadcasters, as well as network catch-up services.<\/p>\n
Members of the public will be able to lodge complaints and expect the same standards of streamers as linear broadcasters.<\/p>\n
The UK government said the new regulations, being implemented as part of the Media Act 2024, will apply to video-on-demand services that have more than 500,000 UK viewers.<\/p>\n
This will include platforms such as Netflix, Amazon\u2019s Prime Video and Disney+ and video-on-demand services such as ITVX and Channel 4.<\/p>\n
Ofcom will have the power to accept and investigate complaints from viewers about content on streaming platforms, and to impose fines of up to \u00a3250,000 (A$478) or 5% of revenue generated in the UK, for each breach.<\/p>\n
Until now, streaming services have not been subject to the same level of regulation under the UK broadcasting code as traditional, licensed TV channels.<\/p>\n
\u201cBy bringing the most popular video-on-demand services under enhanced regulation by Ofcom, we are strengthening protections for audiences, creating a level playing field for industry and supporting our vibrant media sector,\u201d said Lisa Nandy, the culture secretary.<\/p>\n
In Australia streaming platforms and network catch-up services such as 9Now, 7Plus and iview, also do not fall under the Commercial Television Industry Code of Practice.<\/p>\n
A recent report by the Australian Communications and Media Authority found that while 72% were aware of the Code, around 2 in 3 (65%) Australian adults incorrectly think the code covers content made available on Free-to-Air apps.<\/p>\n
But there appears to now be a groundswell of the community which wants change.<\/p>\n
ACMA found a large majority of Australian adults (84%) want rules to ensure TV content meets community expectations, whether it be free-to-air broadcast TV, streaming or on-demand content.<\/p>\n
Over half (58%) think rules about TV content should be consistent and should not depend on the format or service the content is watched on.<\/p>\n
One quarter (25%) think rules should be different based on whether viewers are watching content on free-to-air broadcast TV or accessing it via streaming or on-demand services.<\/p>\n
Only 8% believe there should not be any rules for TV content at all.<\/p>\n