The legal mandate will bring the largest video-on-demand services in the UK under “enhanced regulation” by the Office of Communications (Ofcom). This means that platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, ITVX, and Channel 4 will be required to comply.
The accessibility code sets specific minimum requirements for streaming services, which “will need to ensure that at least 80% of their total catalogue is subtitled, 10% is audio-described, and 5% is signed,” according to the press release.
Implementation Timeline
The largest streaming platforms will have four years to meet the requirements of the accessibility code, with interim targets set for two years. However, the government stated it expects many services will meet these requirements earlier than required.
Ofcom is set to begin a public consultation on the code so the public and streaming providers can share their views on the rules. Then, it will draft and enforce the new codes, “including rules to protect audiences from harmful and offensive content, privacy, fairness, and due impartiality and accuracy in news,” as stated in the press release.
Furthermore, Ofcom will have the power to apply sanctions to on-demand services, including fines, for any breaches. The maximum fine will be GBP 250,000 (USD 334,252) or 5% of qualifying revenue.
It is important to note that Ofcom’s guidelines are designed to be technology-neutral, meaning that they focus on output quality (e.g., accuracy of a subtitle) rather than the specific tool used to create it, including AI.
This opens the door for AI-driven workflows, potentially allowing streaming services to use AI, including locally developed tools like British Sign Language (BSL) app Signapse and captions from CaptionHub, as long as they meet Ofcom’s accuracy and synchronization standards.
The standards code will come into effect one year after its publication by Ofcom.
