The UK government is moving to bring the largest video-on-demand platforms under enhanced Ofcom regulation, extending broadcaster-style audience protections and accessibility requirements to major streamers and PSB players.
Secondary legislation is being laid to implement parts of the Media Act 2024, creating a new ‘Tier 1’ category for the most popular VOD services. Services with more than 500,000 UK users – which the government says would include Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+, ITVX and Channel 4’s streaming service – will be required to comply with new Ofcom standards and accessibility codes.
DCMS said the changes reflect viewing shifts highlighted in Ofcom’s Media Nations 2025 research, with 85% of adults using a VoD service each month compared with 67% watching live TV.
Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport Lisa Nandy said: “We know that the way audiences watch TV has fundamentally changed. Millions now choose to watch content on video-on-demand platforms alongside or, in the case of many young people, instead of traditional TV.”
Under the planned regime, Tier 1 services will need to adhere to a new VOD standards code, designed to mirror key elements of the Broadcasting Code – including protections against harmful or offensive material and requirements around due accuracy and impartiality in news. Audiences will be able to complain to Ofcom, which will have powers to investigate and take enforcement action where it finds breaches.
Alongside content standards, a new VOD accessibility code will set minimum requirements for access services across catalogues: at least 80% subtitled, 10% audio-described and 5% signed. Ofcom is expected to launch a public consultation on both codes shortly.
DCMS said sanctions available to Ofcom would include financial penalties, with the maximum fine per breach for VoD services set at £250,000 (€286,370) or 5% of qualifying revenue. The standards code would take effect 1 year after Ofcom publishes it, while Tier 1 services would have 4 years to meet the accessibility requirements, with interim targets after 2 years.
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said the measures would strengthen protections for audiences, create a more level playing field with linear broadcasters, and support innovation across the UK media sector.
