Amazon’s Call For More Consultation On New UK Streaming Laws Knocked Back By Government

deadline.com:

EXCLUSIVE: Amazon’s call for a “dedicated consultation” on new UK streaming laws looks set to be rejected by the government.

Streaming giants including Prime Video and Netflix will be regulated in a similar way to traditional broadcasters under a Media Bill being introduced in Britain.

The major streamers have similar misgivings about the draft legislation, which will hand Ofcom the power to fine services up to £250,000 ($310,000) for carrying harmful content.

Amazon has become the latest to voice concerns, saying there needs to be more thought given to a “video on demand code” because streamers operate in a different way to the likes of the BBC. “The draft Bill has automatically transferred the principles of the broadcasting code to the new VoD code, without considering if these principles are appropriate or practical for the digital environment,” Amazon said in a submission to UK Parliament’s Culture, Media and Sport Committee. “We would ask for a dedicated consultation to be undertaken to consider what principles the code should include.” Amazon, home to UK originals including Clarkson’s Farm, said streaming regulation should reflect the “differences and nuances” in viewing habits for online video services.