UK plans to bring more online TV channels under watchdog rules

LONDON

Britain has set out a new plan to bring more online TV channels under the country’s communication watchdog Ofcom's content rules to protect “vulnerable audiences” from harmful material, the government said.

"Law change would ensure children and vulnerable viewers remain protected and enable audiences to complain to Ofcom," said a statement from the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.


Citing current data, the statement noted that more than seven in 10 UK households have a smart TV, through which audiences can access up to 900 "unregulated and mostly internet-based TV channels," which are not currently required to meet the same world-leading standards expected of traditional broadcasters.

"We recognise that internet provided TV is growing… But while this shift is an exciting one, it’s our job to look at those channels that fall outside our existing regulations," Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer said.

"That’s why we are going to consult on whether we need to extend regulation to these unregulated channels … any change to regulations must strike a balance between protecting people - particularly the young and vulnerable - while protecting freedom of speech, and not unduly burdening the TV industry," she added.

The culture secretary also reinforced the government’s commitment to bringing forward a Media Bill that would expand opportunities for public service broadcasters to take advantage of the digital age.