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British Government Plans to Regulate Streaming Platforms (Updated)

According to the Deadline website, a new 'White Paper' policy document produced by the British government reveals that streaming platforms such as Netflix and Disney+ are set to be regulated in Britain like linear broadcasters.

The guidelines will be applied and enforced by Ofcom, the government body which already regulates network television in Britain.

The Hollywood Reporter quotes a summary of the White Paper as saying, "There are some protections for under-18s but minimal rules exist to protect audiences from, for example, misleading health advice or pseudoscience documentaries.”

Summarising the White Paper, the Hollywood Reporter website says that the British government wants to give Ofcom - the government body which regulates broadcasting - the powers to draft and enforce a new code.

In the White Paper's words, this code would mean streaming services, “which target and profit from U.K. audiences, are subject to stricter rules protecting U.K. audiences from harmful material... This will primarily be aimed at larger ‘TV-like’ video-on-demand services, such as Netflix, ITV Hub and Now TV and level the rules between VOD services and traditional broadcasters.”

Additionally, viewers would have “new powers to complain to Ofcom if they see something concerning."

Update - The poster Consignia has pointed out in the comments section that the full White Paper text is available here and contains the following comment:

"Respecting issues of free speech and proportionality, smaller, lower risk on-demand services in the UK will continue under existing rules, ensuring smaller services are not unfairly or unnecessarily penalised."

[Sources: Hollywood Reporter, Deadline]