Britain is set to impose tougher regulations on major streaming platforms including Netflix and Amazon Prime Video under new Ofcom oversight. The Department for Culture, Media and Sport announced secondary legislation to implement the Media Act 2024, creating a new 'Tier 1' category for services with over 500,000 UK users.

This regulatory shift responds to fundamental changes in viewing habits, with two-thirds of UK households subscribing to services like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, or Disney+. According to Ofcom's 2025 Media Nations report, 85% of people use on-demand services monthly compared to 67% watching live television. Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy emphasized the need to strengthen protections for audiences while creating a level playing field for the media industry.

Under the new framework, Tier 1 platforms must comply with a VoD standards code modeled on the Broadcasting Code, covering accuracy, impartiality, harmful content protections, and privacy safeguards. Ofcom will have authority to investigate breaches and impose fines up to £250,000 or 5% of qualifying revenue. The government will also introduce accessibility requirements, mandating that 80% of content be subtitled, 10% audio-described, and 5% signed within four years.