The way Britain watches television has changed forever — and now the rules are catching up.
In a landmark shift for the UK’s broadcasting landscape, the government has announced that major video-on-demand (VoD) platforms will soon fall under stronger regulatory oversight from Ofcom, aligning them more closely with traditional broadcasters.
From global streaming giants such as Netflix, Amazon Prime Video and Disney+ to domestic platforms like ITVX and Channel 4, services reaching more than 500,000 users in the UK will now face enhanced scrutiny under the Media Act 2024.
The reform signals one of the most significant updates to British media law in decades — reflecting a reality where on-demand streaming has overtaken traditional live television for millions of households.
Below, we break down what the new rules mean, why they’re being introduced now, and how they could reshape the future of streaming in the UK.
The government’s move to implement secondary legislation under the Media Act 2024 is rooted in a dramatic shift in viewing habits.
Recent data highlights the scale of transformation:
For younger audiences, the shift is even more pronounced. Many viewers under 35 now treat streaming platforms as their primary — and sometimes only — source of television content.
This transition has exposed a regulatory imbalance. While traditional broadcasters must comply with strict content standards under the Broadcasting Code, many on-demand platforms have operated under lighter oversight — and in some cases, outside UK jurisdiction altogether.
The Media Act 2024 seeks to close that gap.
The Media Act 2024 is a sweeping reform package designed to modernise the UK’s broadcasting framework for the digital age.
Its key objective:
To ensure that audiences receive consistent protections regardless of how they access content — whether through a terrestrial TV channel or a streaming app.
Under the new framework:
This represents a structural shift in how streaming is governed in Britain.
The new rules will apply to “Tier 1” video-on-demand services — essentially the largest and most influential platforms operating in the UK market.
These platforms collectively serve tens of millions of UK viewers and shape national media consumption patterns.
Under the new regulatory regime, designated platforms will be required to comply with a newly developed VoD Standards Code, which mirrors elements of traditional broadcasting rules.
The VoD Standards Code will cover:
For the first time, viewers will be able to lodge complaints directly with Ofcom, rather than relying solely on internal platform review systems.
If violations are found, Ofcom will have the authority to:
This is a significant development, as it introduces an independent regulatory backstop for streaming content.
Until now, many streaming platforms have operated under a patchwork of European regulations or self-governance policies. Unlike licensed TV channels, they were not uniformly required to follow the UK Broadcasting Code.
That disparity has long been criticised by:
The new legislation is designed to create what ministers describe as a “level playing field.”
Speaking on the reform, Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport Lisa Nandy emphasised the urgency of updating media rules.
She stated that the way audiences watch television has “fundamentally changed,” with millions now choosing on-demand platforms alongside — or instead of — traditional TV.
The government’s position is clear:
Regulation should follow the viewer — not the technology.
The focus, particularly, is on protecting children and supporting parents in navigating digital content ecosystems.
One of the most impactful aspects of the Media Act reforms relates to accessibility.
A new accessibility code will require Tier 1 services to meet minimum quotas across their catalogues.
These targets aim to bring streaming services closer to the standards long required of linear broadcasters.
For disabled audiences, campaigners say this could be transformative — particularly for viewers who increasingly rely on streaming platforms as their primary source of entertainment and news.
As the UK’s communications regulator, Ofcom will play a central role in implementation and enforcement.
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A public consultation on both the content standards code and the accessibility code is expected shortly.
Industry stakeholders, consumer groups, and advocacy organisations will have the opportunity to submit feedback before final implementation.
For global platforms, this marks a new chapter in their relationship with UK regulators.
While many already comply with international content laws, the introduction of specific UK-focused oversight could mean:
However, industry insiders suggest that most large platforms already meet many of the proposed standards in practice — meaning operational disruption may be limited.
One particularly notable provision concerns due accuracy in news programming.
Although streaming services are not traditionally associated with rolling news channels, many platforms now host:
Under the new rules, factual programming may face closer scrutiny to ensure editorial accuracy and fairness.
This could signal a broader recognition that streaming platforms are not just entertainment hubs — but influential information channels.
Traditional broadcasters have long argued that they operate under heavier regulatory burdens than streaming competitors.
By extending similar rules to large VoD services, the government aims to address:
Public service broadcasters, in particular, have welcomed moves that reduce regulatory asymmetry.
The next phase involves consultation and code drafting.
While no firm enforcement date has been announced, industry observers expect staged implementation through 2026.
The Media Act 2024 represents more than a technical adjustment — it reflects a philosophical shift in UK media governance.
It acknowledges:
As media consumption becomes increasingly digital, policymakers are signalling that regulatory oversight will adapt accordingly.
For most viewers, day-to-day streaming may not look dramatically different. However, subtle shifts could emerge:
Parents, in particular, may welcome enhanced protections against harmful or age-inappropriate material.
The UK joins a growing number of jurisdictions reviewing how to regulate streaming platforms.
Across Europe and beyond, governments are grappling with questions such as:
The UK’s approach could become a blueprint for other markets balancing innovation with accountability.
The Media Act 2024 marks a decisive shift in how Britain regulates television in the streaming age.
By bringing major VoD platforms under enhanced oversight from Ofcom, the government aims to:
For viewers, the message is simple:
Whether you watch via an aerial or an app, the rules designed to protect you should be consistent.
As consultation begins and codes are drafted, 2026 could become a defining year for the future of UK streaming regulation.
