The biggest shake-up in French media regulation in 40 years has seen the creation of the Audiovisual and Digital Communication Regulatory Authority (Arcom).
The new regulator combines the former CSA and Hadopi into an integrated regulator with broader powers, particularly in content creation, from the setting of obligations to the protection of copyright and the fight against piracy.
Under the Audiovisual Media Services Directive, which extends Arcom’s powers to overseas subscription video services, the regulator can negotiate agreements with content platforms (Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime, Apple TV, etc).
The objective is for the streamers to contribute to French cinema as is already the case with the country’s TV channels.
Arcom will have a budget of €46 million on a par with its two predecessors.
