The streaming services will be required to follow similar Ofcom rules to traditional broadcasters under new legislation being implemented.
This will also apply to the public service broadcaster (PSB) video-on-demand (VoD) services, such as ITVX and Channel 4.
However, the regulations include an exemption for VoD services provided by the BBC, such as BBC iPlayer, as these services will continue to be regulated under the Broadcasting Code via the BBC Framework Agreement for the time being.
When does Netflix release shows?
It comes as the government is laying secondary legislation to implement laws giving Ofcom the power to accept viewer complaints and investigate streaming platforms, as it currently does with broadcast television.
Under the new rules, any video-on-demand platform with more than 500,000 users will automatically be designated a “Tier 1” service, bringing them under a new VoD standards code, which will be similar to the Broadcasting Code followed by traditional broadcasters such as the BBC and ITV.
It is intended that BBC UK VoD services will in due course be brought under the VoD standards code at the same time as other Tier 1 services.
What else does Ofcom regulate?
Until now, only licensed television channels were obliged to comply with Ofcom’s Broadcasting Code and accessibility requirements, such as subtitles, but many of the UK’s most popular streaming services were not regulated to the same standard, with some not regulated in the UK at all.
2025 in broadcast standards 📺
💬 We received 49,580 complaints about 8,422 cases
🔎 opened 24 investigations
❌ found 15 cases in breach of our rules
These were the 10 most complained-about programmes of the year ⬇️https://t.co/7lgAtuuM3W pic.twitter.com/iYE2phPnVG
— Ofcom (@Ofcom) December 18, 2025
Why are Netflix, Prime Video and Disney+ going to be regulated by Ofcom?
The new legislation aims to ensure that news is reported accurately and impartially and audiences are protected against “harmful or offensive” material.
Audiences will be able to complain to Ofcom and if it considers there has been a breach of the code it will have the power to take action.
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said: “We know that the way audiences watch TV has fundamentally changed.
“Millions now choose to watch content on video-on-demand platforms alongside or, in the case of many young people, instead of traditional TV.
“The Media Act introduced vital updates to our regulatory framework which this government is committed to implementing.
“By bringing the most popular video-on-demand services under enhanced regulation by Ofcom, we are strengthening protections for audiences, creating a level playing field for industry and supporting our vibrant media sector that continues to innovate and drive growth across the UK.”
Changes in TV Licence Fees Over the Years
There will be a public consultation to establish the video-on-demand standards code, giving the public and streamers the chance to put forward their views on what should be included.
The standards code will then come into effect one year after it is published by Ofcom.
New UK TV and streaming service changes coming in 2026
Over the last few weeks, there have been additional TV and UK streaming service changes announced, such as HBO launching in the UK and the new “world-first” Sky Ultimate TV package being released – see the full list below:
From today (February 24) – Sky One returns to replace Sky Showcase and Sky Max
March 26 – HBO Max is launching in the UK
April 1 – Sky Ultimate TV is released (single subscription package for Sky, Disney+, Hayu, Netflix and HBO Max)
April 1 – Virgin TV customers to gain access to Sky Atlantic at no extra cost
Are you excited about any of the above TV and streaming service changes coming to the UK over the next few weeks? Let us know in the comments below.