Standards bodies and regulators quietly decide what becomes mandatory long before it reaches a press release. This category follows DRM and anti-piracy enforcement, codec licensing and patent pools, AI training-data copyright, and net neutrality and privacy rules shaping the industry.
India's Home Ministry has reportedly withheld final clearances for Starlink due to security concerns over its unauthorized use in Iran, demanding compliance guarantees regarding local mandates. This regulatory hurdle could significantly impact Starlink's market entry into India and potentially affect SpaceX's upcoming Nasdaq listing, which targets a $1.7 trillion valuation.
The US Supreme Court ruled that ISPs are not liable for user copyright infringement unless they actively promote it. This decision is expected to spur new legislative proposals in the UK to mandate blocking of foreign pirate sites by ISPs and DNS providers. This legislative effort aims to enhance the streaming industry's fight against piracy.
The HbbTV Association has announced its Call for Speakers for the 14th HbbTV Symposium and Awards, taking place in Barcelona on November 18–19, 2026. The event focuses on the evolution of connected TV, covering topics like HbbTV, DVB-I, audience measurement, monetization, and AI in HbbTV applications. Industry experts are invited to submit proposals for presentations or panel discussions by June 30, 2026.
House lawmakers are scrutinizing the NFL's 65-year-old antitrust exemption, citing concerns over rising costs for fans to access games, particularly with the migration to subscription streaming platforms like YouTube's Sunday Ticket. The Judiciary antitrust subcommittee is re-examining the Sports Broadcasting Act, with both Republicans and Democrats expressing frustration over fragmented streaming environments and increased prices for consumers. Lawmakers also linked rising prices to media concentration, raising questions about recent mergers involving Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery.
This article compares ATSC 3.0 and 5G Broadcast technologies, analyzing their distinct methodologies for content delivery. The comparison is crucial for professionals in the streaming industry to inform their future investments in broadcast and delivery infrastructure.
The Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) is urging legislators to update the IP Code, emphasizing the need to modernize intellectual property frameworks in response to evolving technology. Proposed amendments include expanding site-blocking powers against piracy and enabling the registration of non-traditional marks, directly impacting content protection for streaming professionals. These reforms aim to strengthen IP governance and enforcement, making the legal framework more responsive to contemporary challenges.
Washington State has enacted a new right of publicity law (SB 5886) effective June 10, 2026, which expands protections to include "forged digital likenesses," adding to the growing patchwork of state laws regarding generative AI content. The law increases legal exposure for streaming professionals using generative AI for commercial purposes, imposing civil penalties of $3,000 plus economic and non-economic damages for unauthorized use. This development signals increased legal scrutiny and potential costs for companies employing AI to create synthetic media of individuals.
California, New York, and several other US states are preparing an antitrust lawsuit to block Paramount Skydance's proposed US$111 billion acquisition of Warner Bros Discovery. This legal action could delay the merger, increasing costs for Paramount due to a 'ticking fee' that takes effect if the deal is not closed by September 30. The European Commission is also reviewing the merger, with a decision expected by July 7.
India's Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw stated that while the IT Act, 2000, offers safeguards against AI harms, a new AI-specific legal framework might be necessary. This potential new framework could introduce additional compliance complexities for streaming platforms and AI service providers due to layered obligations beyond existing intermediary rules.
Ofcom has launched a live compliance program for online platforms during the FIFA World Cup 2026, intensifying scrutiny on illegal content and content harmful to children under the UK's Online Safety Act (OSA). This initiative aims to assess how services are tackling harmful content, particularly hate content and content inciting hatred, which tend to spike during major sporting events. Online service providers, especially user-to-user platforms, are advised to ensure robust measures are in place to meet their OSA duties.
Ofcom has mandated that UK tech firms, including streaming platforms, must establish crisis-response protocols to manage surges in illegal content, citing the 2024 Southport riots. These measures require companies to deploy temporary response teams, boost moderation resources, and set up dedicated communication channels for law enforcement during public emergencies. The aim is to mitigate risks to public safety posed by inflammatory or misleading online content.
Nokia VP Lori Adams speculated that SpaceX's Starlink satellite internet service could face future heavy-handed FCC regulations within the next five years due to concerns over satellite numbers, orbit tracking, and space junk. This could impact Starlink's ability to scale and compete with fiber. The discussion occurred during a Kagan panel ahead of SpaceX's anticipated IPO.
The National Association of Broadcasters will testify before Congress, arguing that sports broadcasting should remain on free over-the-air television rather than streaming. NAB CEO Curtis LeGeyt will contend the 1961 Sports Broadcasting Act should apply only to broadcast television, not streaming services, amidst federal scrutiny of sports rights deals from the DOJ and FCC. This debate addresses rising costs and access issues for consumers as more high-profile sporting events move to subscription-based streaming platforms.
Russia's government is facing connectivity issues due to its recent crackdown on VPNs, leading to a suggestion for a state-owned VPN service. This initiative aims to provide a government-compliant solution for internet access for citizens and businesses, while maintaining control over online content. This regulatory action could significantly affect how streaming services deliver content within Russia.
Senator Jacky Rosen introduced the Jewish American Security Act (S. 4576), which mandates bi-annual transparency reports from online platforms on how they moderate antisemitic content. The legislation tasks the Federal Trade Commission with enforcing these reporting requirements, which will impact major tech companies such as Alphabet, Meta, and Amazon. These companies will need to disclose their content moderation practices and actions taken against users and content violating antisemitism policies.
New York State has enacted a law requiring advertisements to conspicuously label the use of "synthetic performers," defined as AI-generated people appearing as real individuals. This first-in-the-nation law, effective June 2026, aims to increase transparency and protect the creative workforce, while prompting concerns from advertising organizations about compliance and innovation. Ads failing to disclose synthetic performers face penalties, though exceptions exist for feature-length content and AI used solely for language translation.
The European Commission has proposed the EU Cloud and AI Development Act (CADA) to legally mandate digital sovereignty for public-sector cloud and AI procurement. This initiative aims to boost European cloud providers but faces challenges including a global compute shortage and debate over the definition of "sovereign cloud." The act, part of a broader Tech Sovereignty package, is targeted for adoption in Q4 2027.
Ohio's House Bill 975, introduced by State Rep. Tristan Rader, aims to permanently end data center sales tax exemptions in the state by October 1, 2026. This follows a temporary pause on exemptions enacted by Governor Mike DeWine and reflects growing state-level scrutiny over data center tax incentives across the US, with Illinois, Pennsylvania, and Iowa also taking similar actions.
Privacy-Mgmt.com has updated its cookie consent platform with new features designed to enhance user privacy and ensure compliance with data privacy regulations. This update aims to assist streaming entities in managing transparent user consent for data collection more effectively. The new features focus on helping businesses adhere to evolving privacy requirements.
AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon have joined the cable industry's STRIKE initiative to combat network vandalism, which saw a 59% increase in incidents in 2025 with societal costs up to $1.47 billion. The collaboration aims to unify efforts in intelligence sharing, operational protocols, and policy strategies with law enforcement and policymakers to protect critical communications infrastructure. Operators are also deploying mitigation strategies such as enhanced surveillance, asset tracking, and fiber rerouting.
The FCC has granted Amazon Leo a 24-month extension to deploy the first half of its 3,236 low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellites, pushing the milestone to July 30, 2028. This decision, made despite objections from SpaceX, aims to promote competition in the satellite broadband sector. Additionally, the FCC has opened regulatory review for Amazon's proposed $11.5 billion acquisition of Globalstar, with petitions to deny due July 6.
Canadian broadcasters are opposing Ottawa's proposed changes to the Online Streaming Act, which would roll back financial contributions from foreign streaming platforms. They advocate for foreign streamers to contribute to Canadian content creation, similar to traditional domestic broadcasters.
The Advanced Television Broadcasting Alliance (ATBA) opposes the LPTV Broadcasters Association's (LPTVBA) request to the FCC to authorize 3GPP 5G Broadcast as a standalone Part 74 standard. ATBA's Executive Director, Lee Allen Miller, called the move "the wrong policy path," while LPTVBA Chairman Frank Copsidas prepares a rebuttal to the disagreement.
SpaceX is advocating for the FCC to cease $4.5 billion in rural broadband subsidies, arguing Starlink's expanded coverage makes them redundant. However, an expert opinion article contends that defunding terrestrial broadband would hinder the development of hybrid connectivity essential for modern streaming and digital applications, which require low latency and consistent performance beyond what satellite alone can provide.
A report from Ookla indicates that Wi-Fi 7 adoption remains low globally at under 2% in Q1 2026, though Singapore leads with 25% due to government and telco initiatives. North America shows higher usage of the 6 GHz band, but 5 GHz remains the dominant global Wi-Fi spectrum. The report highlights fragmented 6 GHz use worldwide and notes that while smartphone lifecycles aren't a bottleneck for Wi-Fi upgrade, rising component costs from AI demand could impact manufacturing.
A broadcast group plans to lobby the US Congress to mandate that major sporting events be aired on free over-the-air television. This potential regulatory action would limit the ability of pay-TV providers and streaming services to acquire exclusive sports rights. The move could significantly affect revenue streams and content strategies for streaming and broadcast companies.
Brazil's federal government has updated its foundational internet law, the Marco Civil da Internet, through two executive decrees. These decrees establish new platform obligations for proactive content moderation of serious crimes and fraudulent advertising, alongside specific measures for women's safety online, including the removal of non-consensual imagery and a ban on AI-generated intimate images.
This article discusses how stakeholder collaboration drives the success and sustainability of intellectual property ecosystems, particularly around industry standards. It uses examples like Bluetooth, H.264/AVC, and AAC to illustrate effective collaboration through royalty-free models and patent pools, contrasting them with the fragmentation and litigation seen in 5G due to a lack of consensus on aggregate royalty levels. The piece emphasizes the necessity of considering consumer interests to ensure long-term viability of standards.
The FCC has ordered an early review of ABC broadcast licenses following an investigation into Disney's DEI policies and after former President Trump called for Jimmy Kimmel's firing. Legal experts state the FCC faces a high legal bar to revoke or deny broadcast licenses, creating uncertainty for broadcasters. This action, regardless of its outcome, highlights regulatory scrutiny of broadcaster practices.
The EU's Digital Services Act (DSA) Article 21, which established out-of-court dispute settlement (ODS) bodies, has processed over 30,000 content moderation disputes since 2024. These ODS bodies, including Appeals Centre Europe, are identifying systemic content moderation issues and pressuring platforms, despite their decisions being non-binding.
Larissa Lee has joined Mayer Brown's Litigation & Dispute Resolution practice in Salt Lake City as a partner, specializing in data privacy, internet, and consumer class action matters. Her expertise includes emerging tech laws, minor safety, and privacy, which are increasingly relevant for streaming companies. This move strengthens Mayer Brown's capability to advise tech companies on navigating the complex and growing regulatory landscape.
Huawei faces a criminal trial in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York on charges of sanction evasion, racketeering, and trade-secret theft. The outcome of this trial, which begins in 92 days, could significantly influence global technology policy regarding Huawei and its equipment.
Large digital platforms, including TikTok, Meta Platforms, and X, are facing monthly enforcement actions by the European Commission under the Digital Services Act (DSA). These actions concern various alleged infringements, including issues with content moderation, transparency, and risk assessment and mitigation. The Commission has already issued 13 preliminary findings against several major platforms.
The UK government has ordered tech firms, including Apple and Google, to implement device-level controls to block child nude images within three months, with potential legislation, fines, and criminal liability for non-compliance. This regulatory action will require product, privacy, and engineering teams to develop on-device detection and age verification systems while addressing technical and privacy trade-offs. The rules apply to both existing and newly sold smartphones and tablets, impacting operating system providers and parts of the supply chain.
New research reveals how free smart TV apps and other connected devices are secretly leveraged by Bright Data's SDK to act as residential proxy nodes for AI web scraping, impacting streaming by bypassing anti-bot measures for content acquisition. This practice raises concerns about transparency, user consent, privacy, and cybersecurity, prompting calls for greater scrutiny of SDK behavior and discussions around evolving regulatory standards. Major technology platforms like Google, Amazon, and Roku have begun tightening restrictions on background proxy functionality.
The rise of AI is driving hyper-corporations to vertically integrate internet infrastructure, bypassing traditional content delivery models and reshaping global internet governance. This shift involves direct compute orchestration, semantic addressing systems replacing DNS, and physical isolation of transmission layers via proprietary fiber networks. The trend threatens to fragment the internet into 'Splinternet' ecosystems controlled by AI giants and geopolitical blocs.
Madras High Court upheld a ₹10.01 lakh defamation award against Sun TV after nearly 30 years, ruling the broadcaster failed to verify unverified allegations made in a 1996 interview. The court emphasized the broadcaster's editorial control and duty to verify content before airing and dismissed Sun TV's appeal. This decision reinforces the principle of editorial accountability in broadcasting.
Countries including Australia, Denmark, and Malaysia are implementing new laws or considering legislation to significantly restrict social media access for children under 16, with some aiming for an outright ban. These global efforts, impacting platforms like TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram, are driven by mounting concerns over children's health, safety, and online privacy. Various approaches include age verification requirements and parental consent for minors.
The article highlights the decade-old unresolved issue of vMVPD retransmission compensation and its impact on local news affiliates' negotiating power, urging the FCC to modernize regulations. It discusses how networks negotiate deals for affiliates, creating structural conflicts of interest and potentially undermining the financial foundation of local broadcasting as audience and ad dollars shift to streaming. The piece suggests that the current FCC administration may be uniquely positioned to address this regulatory impasse, emphasizing the risk of further weakening local broadcasters during the transition from QAM to IP-based delivery.
Chinese studios introduced AI-generated performers Qin Lingyue and Lin Xiyan, sparking public and regulatory concerns over likeness and portrait rights due to their resemblance to real celebrities. This controversy highlights increasing legal and regulatory scrutiny regarding synthetic media production, training data provenance, and intellectual property in content creation. With AI actors accounting for a growing share of short dramas, this signals coming legal friction for content creators and platforms.
The Portuguese Competition Authority (AdC) has fined telecom operators Meo, Nos, Vodafone, and consulting firm Accenture €13.3 million for colluding on advertising through the Playce platform. This anti-competitive agreement standardized ad pricing and made it harder for customers to switch operators. Vodafone and Nos plan to contest the ruling, while one of the fined companies chose to pay the fine.
Thailand's National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) is developing a roadmap for the future of digital TV post-2029, addressing expiring licenses and the regulation of OTT services. The plan focuses on adapting broadcasting to a multi-platform environment, promoting fair competition, and strengthening broadcasting infrastructure amidst evolving viewing habits. This initiative follows criticism regarding the NBTC's pace in providing certainty for the industry.
The European Commission has published draft guidelines detailing the transparency obligations under Article 50 of the AI Act, covering deepfakes, interactive AI, and AI-generated text. These guidelines clarify rules for disclosure, marking of synthetic content, and strict editorial review requirements for AI-generated text related to public interest. Compliance for AI systems and disclosure practices is expected from August 2026, with potential penalties up to EUR 15 million or 3% of worldwide annual turnover for infringements.
Malaysian Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil is seeking to expand the definition of online harm to include graphic content like accident footage, citing social media platforms' failure to detect and remove such posts. The government plans to review this alongside the Online Safety Committee and collaborate with social media platforms. The minister highlighted the challenge of AI technology detecting sensitive content in local languages and warned of legal action against platforms failing to regulate content.
The FCC's Media Bureau is reviewing the TV Parental Guidelines system to assess its modern relevance, particularly concerning content involving gender identity themes, and its application across broadcast, cable, and streaming platforms. This initiative seeks public input on potential updates to enhance transparency in the ratings process but does not propose government-imposed content restrictions. The review reflects ongoing debates about media content and family values in an evolving media landscape.
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is reviewing emergency alerting protocols to consider mandating that streaming services like Netflix integrate location-based emergency notifications. This push aims to modernize public safety infrastructure as traditional TV viewing declines and shift responsibility to streaming platforms. The move faces technical and practical challenges from industry representatives, but advocates stress the public safety implications.
Equity, the UK performing arts and entertainment union, congratulated SAG-AFTRA on ratifying a new agreement that includes stronger AI protections for workers. Equity is now pushing PACT (Producers Alliance for Film and TV) to adopt these global minimum AI standards for UK performers in ongoing negotiations. The SAG-AFTRA agreement sets a precedent for explicit protections around digital replicas, consent, data security, and favoring human performances.
A US federal judge struck down the $100,000 H-1B visa fee imposed by Donald Trump, ruling that it constituted an unauthorized tax. This decision reduces the cost for companies to hire skilled foreign workers, impacting talent acquisition across various tech-dependent industries, including streaming.
India's TRAI is exploring a regulatory framework for internet-based television services, including FAST channels, which could significantly impact the economics and obligations for telecom operators and OTT platforms. This initiative aims to address the convergence of traditional broadcasting and internet services, where linear TV increasingly functions as a data service over broadband. The framework could redefine carriage deals, CDN arrangements, and content monetization for streaming services, challenging the current light-touch regulation for OTT players.
The FCC is proposing new cybersecurity mandates for the Emergency Alert System (EAS) to enhance its resilience against hacking and unauthorized transmissions. These requirements include stronger passwords, prompt software updates, and network protections for EAS equipment used by broadcasters and content distributors, particularly as the industry transitions to NextGen TV. The proposal aims to protect national emergency communications systems from cyberattacks and improve their long-term reliability following several incidents of compromised alerting systems.
