Every man and his dog (and every brand and its spin-off) can now create and exploit video content. Whether you work for a news publisher, a sports club, a fan site or any other business with an online presence, chances are that you or a colleague are involved one way or another with creating or distributing long or short form A-V content. But are you aware of the rules that govern this increasingly regulated space? 

Traditional linear broadcasters have long been heavily regulated and laws were extended to catch on-demand programme services like Netflix and Amazon over a decade ago. However, as of 1 November 2020 the net will be cast even wider.

Amendments to the Communications Act 2003 mean that UK business curating their schedule or catalogue of video content (whether on their own platforms or their YouTube etc channel) will now (in most cases) be regulated. This is regardless of the nature or length of the individual programmes they publish. 

The amendments also introduce new rules for Video Sharing Platforms (i.e. businesses that allow the public to upload videos to their platform - however big or small). VSPs based in the UK must now implement various measures to prevent harmful material appearing on their platforms and new rules on advertising have been introduced. VSPs must also notify Ofcom if they fall within the regulations.

Need to know more? We've recently published an article on the new VSP rules here, or get in touch and we'd be happy to help.