The UK government said Tuesday streaming platforms like Netflix (NFLX), Amazon Prime Video (AMZN), and Disney+ (DIS) will have to adhere to accessibility rules set for traditional broadcasters by the communications services regulator, Ofcom, for the benefit of disabled people in the region.
The move by the government requires streaming platforms to have at least 80% of their total catalog subtitled, 10% audio-described, and 5% signed, which will aid 18M people across the UK with disabilities impacting their sight or hearing.
UK ministers will work to create a new VoD accessibility code, which will set minimum requirements for accessibility features, the government said.
“The government wants to ensure that UK viewers with disabilities can be confident that the appropriate accessibility requirements are in place, whether they tune in via traditional channels or a mainstream on-demand service,” the government said in a statement.
Large mainstream services will have four years to meet the requirements, with interim targets after two years.