Labour 'risks ruining family film night' as streamers hit with red tape

Labour 'risks ruining family film night' as streamers hit with red tape The biggest names in streaming and new rivals will come under the regime of communications regulator Ofcom amid warnings of higher costs Share Article Share Article Facebook X LinkedIn Reddit Bluesky Email Copy Link Link copied Add us as preferred source Comments By David Williamson , Chief Political Commentator 19:45, Sat, Oct 24, 2026 Updated: 19:48, Sat, Oct 24, 2026 Conservatives claim red tape costs could push up price of subscriptions (Image: Getty) Labour decision to hit video streaming services with new regulations risks forcing up the cost of a family film night, the Conservatives have warned. Services that attract more than 500,000 average monthly users in the UK will fall under communications regulator Ofcom’s regime and have to comply with its codes. The move is intended to bring streaming services in line with traditional broadcasters but a preliminary impact assessment – obtained under the Freedom of Information Act – suggests this could incur costs of between £43.4million and £90.8million over a decade. The assessment acknowledges that “services indicated that any high costs they incur might be passed onto the consumer through higher subscription fees”. Matt Vickers, deputy chairman of the Conservative party, said families would take a hit “for the crime of watching Netflix on a Friday night”. The Tories warn: “Every family with a Netflix subscription, a Disney+ account or Amazon Prime now has to pay for a regulation… This is a tax on the family film night, paid through a subscription bill as Labour puts their fingers in their ears to any impact whatsoever.” Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT Mr Vickers denounced the move, claiming Labour had “run out of ideas”. Ofcom is anticipated to face costs of £1.5million in the first year and £1.76million annually going forward. However, the Government expects there will be “significant benefits to audiences” from the new video-on-demand (VoD) code “governing harmful content such as disinformation or dangerous health advice”. Under the accessibility code, people with sight or hearing difficulties “will be able to enjoy a greater range of online viewing”, according to the preliminary assessment. Get the latest politics news - straight from our team in Westminster and more I would like to receive emails from the Daily Express featuring our latest products, services, offers, and promotions from across the Reach Plc family . Subscribe Invalid email You agree you are 18 or over. We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and third parties based on our knowledge of you. You can unsubscribe at any time. More Info . The advent of streaming has transformed how people watch 'television' (Image: Getty) It also expects the moves to level the playing field, “enabling UK broadcasters to better compete with VoD services”. In February, the Government announced that “mainstream streaming services will need to ensure that at least 80% of their total catalogue is subtitled, 10% is audio-described, and 5% is signed” – a requirement intended to benefit the “estimated 18 million people who are deaf, have hearing loss or tinnitus and 350,000 who are blind or partially sighted”. It said the “maximum fine per breach of a rule will be £250,000 or 5% of qualifying revenue”. A spokesperson for the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport said: “The Government has taken a proportionate approach that ensures essential audience protections and accessibility features are available on the most popular video-on-demand services, bringing them in line with UK broadcast regulation.” Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT An Ofcom spokesperson said: “The scope of broadcast and on-demand regulation is a matter for Government and Parliament. We are yet to consult on our approach to fees under the new regime and, more broadly, we always strive to ensure efficiency and value for money.” Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT The 9 items Brits must stockpile after new warning Pensioners are furious at this 'sneaky' Budget move that will leave them much poorer Labour Party Netflix Ofcom Streaming Amazon Prime Disney Plus Share Article Share Article Facebook X LinkedIn Reddit Bluesky Email Copy Link Link copied Add us as preferred source Comments