The government has unveiled new plans to make sure online channels, including free ad-supported streaming television (FAST) channels, follow the same rules as regular TV channels overseen by Ofcom.
Revealed at the Royal Television Society Cambridge Convention, the law change would ensure children and vulnerable viewers remain protected and enable audiences to complain to Ofcom about streaming channels – as is currently the case with traditional TV channels.
Cultural secretary Lucy Frazer explained the plan, aiming to help the TV industry make the most of the opportunities in this era of endless streaming and content choices and intense global competition for viewers.
“That’s why we are going to consult on whether we need to extend regulation to these unregulated channels,” she said.
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“Any change to regulations must strike a balance between protecting people – particularly the young and vulnerable – while protecting freedom of speech, and not unduly burdening the TV industry.”
The announcement was partially prompted by figures that show that up to 74% of UK households now have a smart TV.
In addition, audiences can access a growing number of unregulated and mostly internet-based TV channels, with a particularly rapid increase in the number of people streaming FAST channels.
There is also a growing number of unregulated electronic programme guides in the UK – 19, including Samsung TV Plus, Pluto TV, LG Channels and Amazon Freevee, all easily accessible.
The news follows the decision earlier this year that the UK planned to update media rules for the streaming age, including putting services such as Netflix (NFLX.O), Amazon Prime Video (AMZN.O) and Disney+ under Ofcom’s remit.
Earlier this week, UK broadcasters, including the BBC, announced their decision to launch a joint TV streaming platform.
