In two sentences
The United Kingdom is preparing secondary legislation to implement the Media Act 2024 in order to extend the powers of Ofcom to the most popular streaming services — Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+ and others. This means platforms will be held responsible for content standards in the same way as traditional broadcasters.
"Like the broadcasting code, this will ensure accuracy and impartiality in news coverage, as well as protect audiences from harmful or offensive material. Audiences will be able to make complaints to Ofcom if they notice something concerning, and Ofcom will have the powers to investigate and take action if it considers that a breach of the code has occurred."
— UK government press office
Who will be affected
Services with more than 500,000 users in the UK will be designated as "level 1" services and fall under the new code. According to the government, around two-thirds of households are subscribed to at least one of the platforms; 85% of people use on-demand viewing each month, compared with 67% who watch live television.
What will be required of platforms
Among the key requirements — at least 80% of the catalogue must have subtitles, 10% — audio descriptions and 5% — with sign language. Beyond accessibility, the regulation opens a mechanism for handling audience complaints: Ofcom will be able to carry out investigations and take action in cases of standards breaches.
Context and implications
These are not just technical rules about subtitles or video format. Expanding the regulator's powers sets a precedent for the accountability of global platforms: who controls content, who is responsible for disinformation, and how quickly complaints are addressed.
Why this matters for Ukraine
For Ukraine, which is under information pressure from an adversary, accountable platforms are an additional tool to counter harmful narratives in partner countries and among the diaspora. If Ofcom begins to enforce strict standards on accuracy and impartiality, it will make the spread of manipulative content within the UK — where a significant portion of our community lives — more difficult.
Additional signals from the industry
The press release also mentioned that Netflix is preparing major app updates focused on vertical videos (similar to TikTok and YouTube Shorts) and is actively integrating generative artificial intelligence into content production. The regulation amplifies questions about algorithmic transparency and responsibility for automated decisions.
Conclusion
London's decision raises the regulatory bar for global streaming services: they will now have to meet standards that protect audiences and increase content accessibility. Whether this will become an effective mechanism to combat disinformation will depend on how quickly and decisively Ofcom applies these new powers, and whether the declarations lead to concrete sanctions and changes in platform practices.
