UK to regulate Netflix and other streamers in line with broadcasters

LONDON, Feb 24 (Reuters) - Britain said on Tuesday Netflix NFLX.O, Amazon Prime Video AMZN.O, Disney+ DIS.N and other streamers would be required to follow the same rules on content and accessibility as traditional broadcasters like the BBC.

Two-thirds of households subscribe to at least one major streamer, with 85% of people using an on-demand service each month, compared to 67% who watch live TV, the government said.

Bringing the services into the scope of regulator Ofcom's broadcasting code would protect audiences from harmful content, and ensure the provision of accessibility services like subtitles, it said.

Streaming services with more than 500,000 UK users will have to adhere to the new standards, which include ensuring news is reported accurately and impartially and audiences are protected against harmful or offensive material.

Ofcom will have powers to investigate and take action where they consider there has been a breach of the code, it said.