Ofcom to regulate VOD services, new EU directive to 'protect consumer interests'

The brave new world of online video-on-demand (VOD) is to fall under Ofcom’s regulatory gaze for the first time, as part of the EU’s new Audiovisual Media Services Directive. The legislation encompasses all VOD services which are ‘TV-like’ and aims ‘to protect consumer and citizen interests by ensuring that these services will be subject to some basic content standards.’

Consequently, Ofcom will begin regulating content on BBC iPlayer, ITV Player, SkyPlayer and Demand Five from December 19. It remains to be seen exactly what changes Ofcom will demand of these VOD services, although pre-watershed viewing of adult-orientated material online is certain to become a thorny subject. As a precursor to this widening of its remit, Ofcom has issued a consultation document. The consultation period closes October 26.