Ministers at the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport in the United Kingdom have announced a consulation on plans to regulate streaming services like Apple TV+, Netflix and Amazon Prime Video.
The regulation will be similar to the Ofcom code that television broadcasters like BBC, ITV and Channel 4 have to follow, which include accuracy, offense and staying impartial. Currently, the streaming services aren’t covered because they are based in the U.S.
It follows a review by the UK government into the ownership of Channel 4, in a move that could see the broadcaster privatised from next year. The channel is state-owned and 90% funded by advertisements.
Apple TV+ launched in late 2019 and up until July 1 is available as a free one year trial with the purchase of an applicable Apple device. Apple has extended the trial multiple times, although the service costs $4.99/mo.
