Major streaming platforms including Netflix, Disney+, and Amazon Prime Video are set to undergo a significant transformation following new government regulations aimed at enhancing accessibility for millions of viewers across the United Kingdom. The legislation, which will also impact other leading services such as ITVX, mandates that video-on-demand providers adhere to standards comparable to those governing traditional broadcasters.
New Accessibility Requirements for Streaming Services
Under the proposed rules, streaming services with more than 500,000 users in the UK will be classified as "Tier 1" platforms. These services must ensure that at least 80% of their total content library includes subtitles, 10% features audio description, and 5% incorporates signing. This initiative is designed to benefit an estimated 18 million individuals who are deaf, have hearing loss, or experience tinnitus, alongside 350,000 people who are blind or partially sighted.
Government and Regulatory Oversight
The Culture Secretary, Lisa Nandy, emphasized the importance of updating regulatory frameworks to reflect modern viewing habits. "Millions now choose to watch content on video-on-demand platforms alongside or, in the case of many young people, instead of traditional TV," she stated. The Media Act will empower Ofcom to enforce a new Video-on-Demand accessibility code, allowing the regulator to investigate complaints and take action against non-compliant services.
Media Minister Ian Murray added, "Implementing a new Ofcom-regulated accessibility code for our largest video-on-demand services will give people with disabilities impacting their sight or hearing peace of mind that they’ll be able to stream all their favourite films and TV shows long into the future."
Charity Responses and Industry Impact
The announcement has been welcomed by charities representing individuals with sensory impairments. Victoria Boelman, Director of Insight and Policy at RNID, commented, "Bringing on-demand services in line with traditional broadcasting is much needed, and the new Ofcom rules reflect the significant progress we’ve seen in accessibility." She urged providers to exceed the minimum requirements to ensure broader access for deaf and hard-of-hearing audiences.
Sonali Rai of the Royal National Institute of Blind People highlighted the long-awaited nature of these changes, stating, "The introduction of legal requirements for audio description on video-on-demand services is a long-awaited and important step as on-demand viewing becomes the norm for many."
Exemptions and Future Developments
Notably, BBC services such as BBC iPlayer will be exempt from the new regulations initially, remaining under the existing Broadcasting Code. However, the government intends to eventually align BBC UK VoD services with the new standards. A public consultation will be held to shape the Video-on-Demand standards code, which will come into effect one year after its publication by Ofcom.
Shifting Viewing Habits and Regulatory Gaps
This regulatory shift comes as viewing patterns continue to evolve. According to Ofcom's 2025 Media Nations report, 85% of people use an on-demand service each month, compared to 67% who watch live TV. Two-thirds of households subscribe to at least one major streaming platform. Previously, only licensed television channels were required to comply with Ofcom's accessibility standards, leaving many popular streaming services unregulated or subject to inconsistent rules.
The new legislation aims to create a level playing field, ensuring that all major video-on-demand providers offer consistent accessibility features. This move is expected to not only protect audiences from harmful content but also foster innovation and growth within the UK's media sector, ultimately enhancing the viewing experience for millions of disabled individuals nationwide.
