On 14 May 2026, Ofcom published a major update introducing new content and accessibility standards for streaming services, marking a significant shift in how video-on-demand platforms are regulated in the UK.
As audience viewing habits continue to evolve across both broadcast and on-demand platforms, regulation is now catching up.
These proposed changes are designed to bring consistency, accountability and accessibility to the streaming landscape giving audiences greater confidence, wherever and however they watch.
Bringing Streaming in Line with Broadcast
For the first time, major streaming platforms, including Netflix, Amazon Prime Video and Disney+, will be brought closer to the standards long applied to broadcast television.
Enabled by the Media Act, Ofcom’s draft Code creates a more level regulatory framework across the industry. The goal is clear: consistent protections for audiences, regardless of platform.
Until now, streaming services, particularly those headquartered outside the UK have operated with varying degrees of oversight. This has created an uneven experience for audiences and a fragmented regulatory environment.
That is now set to change.
What the New Content Standards Mean
The proposed rules apply to ‘Tier 1’ streaming services, those with more than 500,000 UK users, and broadly align with the existing Broadcasting Code, while recognising the differences of on-demand viewing.
The focus is not on restricting content, but on ensuring responsibility, transparency and context.
Stronger protection for under-18s
Streaming services will need to do more to protect younger audiences, not just in what they can access, but in how children are represented within content itself.
Clearer handling of harm and offence
Content that may be challenging or controversial is not prohibited. Instead, platforms will be expected to provide clearer context, stronger signposting, and appropriate editorial justification, helping audiences make informed choices.
Tackling harmful behaviours and portrayals
New measures strengthen how crime, abuse and harmful behaviour are presented, reducing the risk of imitation or harmful impact.
Impartiality and accuracy in content
For news and current affairs, streaming platforms will need to demonstrate due accuracy and impartiality, bringing them closer to established broadcast expectations, even across multiple programmes.
Fairness and privacy
Protections around fairness and privacy will mirror those in broadcast, ensuring individuals and organisations are treated appropriately across on-demand content.
Accessibility Moves to the Forefront
Alongside content standards, accessibility is a major priority.
More than 18 million people in the UK live with hearing or sight impairments. Historically, streaming services have not been required to meet the same accessibility standards as broadcasters. This is now being addressed.
Under Ofcom’s draft accessibility Code, major platforms will be required to:
- Subtitle at least 80% of content
- Provide audio description on 10%
- Offer sign language interpretation on 5%
Crucially, quality matters. Poor or unusable accessibility features will not meet these requirements.
Streaming services will also need to clearly communicate available features and report on performance, raising expectations across both delivery and user experience.
What This Means for the Industry
This marks a step-change for streaming providers.
Global platforms entering a more structured UK regulatory framework will need to adapt operationally, editorially and technically.
For content owners, broadcasters and service partners, this introduces new considerations across the delivery chain, from compliance and metadata to accessibility workflows and quality assurance.
For audiences, the benefits are clear:
- More consistent standards across platforms
- Greater transparency and control
- Improved accessibility
- Stronger protections overall
What Happens Next
Ofcom is consulting on the proposed Codes until 7th August 2026, with final rules expected later this year.
Further consultation will follow on enforcement and complaints processes, defining how these standards are applied in practice.
Moving Forward
As viewing continues to shift towards on-demand, expectations around responsibility, accessibility and trust are only increasing.
This update signals a more mature streaming landscape, where scale is matched by accountability, and innovation is supported by robust standards.
For the industry, the direction is clear: deliver better, more inclusive experiences, backed by consistency and confidence at every stage of the viewer journey.
About Red Bee Media
Red Bee Media is the leading global media services partner for innovation and growth. We enable some of the world’s most recognised media brands, broadcasters and content owners to instantly connect with audiences anywhere at any time. Every day, millions of people across the globe discover, enjoy and engage with content prepared, managed, broadcast and streamed by Red Bee Media. Headquartered in London, with more than 1000 media experts in Europe and Asia Pacific, Red Bee Media provides innovative solutions across the entire content delivery chain, including Playout, Streaming, Distribution, MCR, Media Management, Access, Content and Post-Production services.
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