Introduction On 6 October 2021, Ofcom published guidance on measures Video Sharing Platform (“VSP“) providers can take to protect online users from harmful material and how to implement such measures effectively (the “Guidance“). The Guidance is intended to help VSP providers comply with their obligations under Part 4B of the Communications Act 2003 (“CA“), which … Read more

On 23 June 2021, the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport (“DCMS“) announced plans to consult on extending its existing regulatory remit and tighten regulations on video-on-demand services, including in respect of those based outside of the UK. The announcement comes against the backdrop of a more general strategic review of the UK public … Read more

Yesterday Ofcom published its Wholesale Fixed Telecoms Market Review 2021-26 (WFTMR), which sets out how it will regulate telecoms fixed access services for the next five years. This follows Ofcom proposals to support competitive investment in fibre networks, which we previously reported on Ofcom’s consultation in connection with the WFTMR last year. Ofcom have in … Read more

Ofcom looks set to become the first UK internet regulator following the Government’s publication of its response to the Online Harms White Paper.  This is set against the backdrop of the progression through Parliament of legislation which was aimed at accelerating the appointment of a regulator for online harm, off the back of the White … Read more

On 8 January, the national communications regulator Ofcom published its first combined review of the residential and business connectivity markets; the Wholesale Fixed Telecoms Market Review (FTMR).  Previously, the Business Connectivity Market Review was published separately from the residential Wholesale Local Access Market Review. The FTMR now covers a longer, 5 year period. Read more

Earlier this week, the UK’s House of Lords Communications and Digital Committee published its report titled “Public Service Broadcasting: As Vital As Ever“, following its consultation on the impact of Subscription Video-On-Demand (SVOD) services on the UK’s public service broadcasters (PSBs) such as the BBC, Channel 3, Channel 4 and Channel 5.   Amongst other aspects, … Read more