Netflix Accused By UK Media Regulator Ofcom Of Over-Exaggerating Threat Of New Streaming Laws
29.11.2023 - 14:03
/ deadline.com
Netflix won’t have to remove films and TV shows from its platform to stay on the right side of new UK streaming laws, according to the chair of Ofcom.
The UK media regulator is set to be handed new powers under the Media Bill to police content on streaming services and hold them to standards on impartiality and accuracy.
Speaking at a Voice of the Listener & Viewer conference in London on Wednesday, Ofcom chair Michael Grade said the likes of Netflix and Disney+ should have “no fears” about what’s coming.
He argued that the streamers were attempting to “frighten the life out of everybody” by claiming that they will need to purge content from their platforms to avoid falling foul of the new laws.
Netflix has generally welcomed the streaming regulation, but has lobbied against “nebulous” and potentially “onerous” rules on “due impartiality” contained in draft legislation.
In evidence to a UK parliamentary committee in May, Netflix said it would have to keep its giant catalog of content under continual review, ensuring that it is “purging titles on a regular basis” so it doesn’t break impartiality standards.
Benjamin King, Netflix head of policy in the UK, added that the rules could have a “chilling” effect on its appetite to make documentaries available to British audiences.
Grade, a UK television grandee who has held top jobs at the BBC and ITV, said: “People who’ve never been regulated always have a fear when regulation comes in. But I think they need have no fears.
“It’s a bit of lobbying. Given the choice, you’d rather not be regulated … and when regulation comes in, or is mooted, you will argue against it. You will overegg the arguments and try and frighten the life out of everybody, [claiming] the puppy gets it