Web TV regulations launched by Ofcom
The telecommunications and broadcasting regulating authority, Ofcom, recently published a report pertaining to the video-on-demand (VOD). Such implementation from the watchdog could mean a changed landscape for this particular sector which enjoys monstrous traffic from broadband consumers.
The recent years saw consumers’ great accessibility and wide-ranged choice of facilities and services, among them 4oD, SkyPlayer and BBC iPlayer, including different clip hosting sites on the web.
These new proposals are deemed necessary to properly regulate the VOD market movements, and Ofcom sees a number of content suppliers being intently monitored. The watchdog also explained that the revised European law indicates that providers must stick to specified broadcasting rules.
For consumers, the VOD implementation means they are getting protection by the basic content standard because the law enforces stricter adherence to the European Union’s regulatory bodies. Ofcom elaborates that they are merely ensuring that consumers will be on the right track as provided by the EU audiovisual services directive.
Such change in processes which takes effect in December 19 are deemed to make a deep impact on users of both Virgin Media and BT Vision which both allows the iPlayer options in their services.
Oxfam and many groups however see these regulations to render greater positivity toward users and viewers. This is because among the indicated laws are regulations against inciting hatred towards groups based on race, sex, religion and nationality. The authorities will also closely monitor contents that might impair any developmental aspects of minors, particularly their mental and moral enrichment.
While many conservative groups are thankful and hoping for the laws to be enforced, they are also contemplating on including private websites and portals like YouTube to be included in the Oxfam jurisdiction, including electronic versions of newspapers from all over the world.
