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Ofcom launches web TV regulations
Tuesday 15th September 2009, by Daniel King
A new report has been published by telecommunications and broadcasting watchdog Ofcom that could change the landscape of the video-on-demand (VOD) sector.
Broadband consumers currently have a wide range of facilities available to them through services like the BBC iPlayer, 4oD and SkyPlayer, as well as the various clip hosting sites that populate the web.
However, the new proposals consider the future of regulation in the VOD market and could see a number of content suppliers closely monitored from later this year.
Ofcom explained revised European law means providers including the BBC, Channel 4, ITV, Five and Sky must now adhere to certain broadcasting rules.
This means changes in processes that will be in force from December 19th - which could have a knock-on effect for Virgin Media and BT Vision users making use of options like iPlayer.
However, it was noted the move will mean consumers are better protected by the "basic content standards", as it allows such systems to adhere to the European Union's Audiovisual Media Services Directive.
Among the regulations are rules against the inciting of hatred towards individual groups, based on factors such as race, sex, religion or nationality, as well as the monitoring of content which "might seriously impair the physical, mental, or moral development of minors".
However, electronic versions of newspapers, as private websites and portals like YouTube will not fall under the Ofcom jurisdiction.
The aforementioned video sharing resource recently saw official music videos return to its pages following a dispute regarding the rights of songwriters and artists.
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