Key takeaways
Video on demand (VOD) services in the UK are regulated under multiple frameworks depending on the type of service and the content they host. The Online Safety Act 2023 is now the primary regulatory framework for most streaming and VOD services accessible to UK users.
Before the Online Safety Act, Ofcom regulated 'video sharing platforms' (VSPs) such as YouTube, TikTok and Twitch under an EU-derived regime that applied from November 2020. The VSP regime required platforms to implement measures protecting users from harmful content. The Online Safety Act replaced and substantially strengthened these requirements.
Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video and similar subscription VOD services sit in a different regulatory category. They are not VSPs (because users cannot upload content) but they are regulated under Ofcom's Broadcasting Code for on-demand programme services (ODPS) to the extent they hold ODPS licences, and under the Online Safety Act's children's safety provisions.
The Media Act 2024 updated the VOD regulatory framework, including provisions on electronic programme guide prominence for VOD services and changes to the ODPS licensing regime.
Ofcom's enforcement against VOD services is primarily through the Online Safety Act -- fines up to 10% of global turnover and service restriction orders for non-compliance.
Reviewed: June 2026Key facts
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How VOD is regulated in the UK
Video on demand services are regulated under several overlapping frameworks in the UK. The specific rules that apply to any given service depend on: whether users can upload content, whether the service is primarily user-generated or editorially curated, whether it hosts adult content, whether it is provided by a UK public service broadcaster, and whether children are likely to access it.
The Online Safety Act 2023 is now the primary regulatory framework for most VOD and streaming services accessible to UK users. It applies to user-to-user services (where users can generate, upload or interact with content), search engines, and services hosting pornographic content. Ofcom is the regulator for the online safety framework.
The Video Sharing Platform regime and its replacement
Before the Online Safety Act, Ofcom regulated 'video sharing platforms' (VSPs) -- services whose principal purpose was sharing videos with the public -- under an EU-derived regime that came into force in November 2020. The VSP regime covered YouTube, TikTok, Twitch, Facebook Watch and similar platforms. It required VSPs to implement measures protecting users from illegal content and harmful content, with specific requirements for protecting minors.
The Online Safety Act replaced the VSP regime with a substantially stronger framework. Ofcom published a retrospective on the VSP regime, reflecting on what it achieved and how the Online Safety Act builds on it. The OSA is wider in scope (covering more services), more specific in its requirements (codes of practice, risk assessments), and backed by stronger enforcement powers (10% global turnover fines vs more limited VSP sanctions).
Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime and subscription VOD
Major subscription streaming services like Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV+ sit in a different regulatory category from user-generated video platforms. They are not VSPs because users cannot upload content -- they are curated editorial services rather than platforms for user-generated content.
These services are partially within Ofcom's regulatory scope as on-demand programme services (ODPS) if they hold an ODPS licence from Ofcom. Many major streamers have UK ODPS licences. The ODPS framework sets lighter-touch content standards -- not the full Broadcasting Code watershed rules -- but does include requirements on harmful content and protection of minors. Ofcom can take action against ODPS licensees that breach these standards.
The Online Safety Act also applies to subscription streamers to the extent they have user-interactive features (comments, ratings, recommendations) and to their children's safety obligations. Services like Netflix Kids, where children are the intended users, have specific duties under the OSA children's safety framework.
Age verification for adult content
Any VOD service that hosts pornographic or adult content must implement effective age verification under the Online Safety Act. This requirement applies regardless of whether the service is primarily a streaming platform, a video sharing site or a dedicated adult content service. The first Ofcom enforcement actions under the OSA -- fines in May and June 2026 -- targeted pornography websites for failing to implement effective age verification.
Effective age verification means robust technical systems that reliably prevent under-18s from accessing adult content -- not self-declaration or basic age gates. Ofcom published its age assurance guidance in 2025 defining what constitutes highly effective age assurance, drawing on technical standards and international best practice.
PSB streaming services and the Media Act 2024
BBC iPlayer, ITVX (ITV's streaming service), Channel 4's streaming service and Channel 5's streaming service are PSB VOD services. They carry lighter-touch content regulation than live broadcast channels (no 9pm watershed equivalent) but must comply with Ofcom's on-demand standards and have specific PSB obligations.
The Media Act 2024 updated the regulatory framework for PSB streaming services. It extended electronic programme guide prominence rules to online platforms and smart TV operating systems, ensuring PSB streaming services remain easily discoverable on connected TV devices. This is significant as viewing increasingly shifts from traditional broadcast to streaming.
Related guides
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. Kael Tripton Ltd is not regulated by the FCA. Sources: Ofcom, legislation.gov.uk, GOV.UK. Verify at ofcom.org.uk.
Frequently asked questions
Is Netflix regulated by Ofcom?
Netflix holds an Ofcom ODPS (On-Demand Programme Service) licence, which means Ofcom has some regulatory oversight of Netflix's content standards for UK audiences. Netflix is also subject to the Online Safety Act 2023 for its user-interactive features and children's safety obligations. However, Netflix is not subject to the Broadcasting Code's 9pm watershed rule -- that applies only to linear broadcast TV, not on-demand services.
Does the 9pm watershed apply to Netflix or Disney+?
No. The 9pm watershed applies only to linear broadcast television -- live scheduled TV channels. Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video and similar on-demand services are not subject to the watershed. They are regulated under Ofcom's on-demand programme services framework and the Online Safety Act, but these do not include an equivalent time-based content restriction. Parental controls and content ratings are the primary protections on streaming services.
What is a Video Sharing Platform?
A Video Sharing Platform (VSP) was a service whose principal purpose was sharing videos with the public, where users could upload content -- such as YouTube, TikTok and Twitch. Ofcom regulated VSPs under an EU-derived regime from November 2020. The Online Safety Act 2023 replaced the VSP regime with a stronger, wider framework. YouTube, TikTok and similar services are now regulated under the OSA.
Is YouTube regulated in the UK?
Yes. YouTube is subject to the Online Safety Act 2023 as a user-to-user service. Ofcom is the UK regulator. YouTube must comply with illegal harms duties, children's safety duties (including algorithm restrictions for under-18 users and age verification for adult content), and transparency reporting requirements. Ofcom can investigate YouTube for non-compliance and impose fines of up to 10% of global annual turnover.
What is an ODPS licence?
An On-Demand Programme Service (ODPS) licence is an Ofcom licence for video on demand services that provide curated, editorially controlled video content to UK audiences. Major streamers like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video and Disney+ hold ODPS licences. The ODPS framework sets standards on harmful content and protection of minors -- lighter-touch than the Broadcasting Code but enforceable by Ofcom.
How is BBC iPlayer regulated?
BBC iPlayer is a PSB on-demand service regulated under Ofcom's co-regulatory framework with the BBC. It must comply with Ofcom's on-demand standards and the Online Safety Act's children's safety provisions. There is no 9pm watershed equivalent for iPlayer, but content carries age ratings and parental controls. The Media Act 2024 updated prominence requirements, ensuring iPlayer remains easily accessible on connected TV devices.
What are the age verification requirements for streaming services?
Streaming services hosting adult or pornographic content must implement effective age verification under the Online Safety Act -- robust technical systems, not self-declaration. Ofcom's 2025 age assurance guidance defines what constitutes highly effective age assurance. Services accessible to children must implement age-appropriate design, parental controls and content ratings under the children's safety codes.
What did the Media Act 2024 change for streaming?
The Media Act 2024 extended electronic programme guide prominence requirements to online platforms and smart TV operating systems, ensuring PSB streaming services (iPlayer, ITVX, Channel 4) remain easily discoverable on connected TV devices and streaming platforms. It also updated Channel 4's governance framework and made changes to the ODPS licensing regime.
