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.
Broadcasters in India have expressed opposition to proposed regulations by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI), specifically the ALTD (Additional Layer for Transparency and Data) framework, and new cross-holding restrictions. They argue that these measures could force media companies to reduce their stakes in their own enterprises.
Ela Barda, a partner at Signature Litigation, stated that companies should not treat compliance with the EU AI Act in isolation. The article focuses on Barda's comments regarding the transparency obligations outlined in the EU AI Act.
The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) is developing a Long-Term Spectrum Outlook to guide mobile spectrum use for the next decade. This initiative aims to address the growing demand for mobile broadband in the country by formulating a ten-year strategy.
A UK regulator is reportedly preparing to mandate that technology firms address harmful content such as deepfakes and non-consensual intimate images on their platforms. The change is aimed at enhancing the protection of women and girls online. This initiative follows an "urgent need" identified by the regulator to better safeguard users.
Sky has sent cease-and-desist letters to 200 individuals in Ireland suspected of using illegal IPTV streaming boxes. This action follows a March High Court order for Revolut to disclose details of users who paid for such illicit services.
OpenAI has adopted Google's SynthID watermarking technology and combined it with C2PA credentials to create a dual-layer system for detecting AI-generated content. This initiative aims to address the challenge of identifying synthetic media.
Broadcasters in India are expressing concern over the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India's (TRAI) proposed Architecture for Licensing of Digital TV channels (ALTD) framework. They allege that the framework could establish a "digital zamindari" model, potentially granting dominant control over digital TV distribution to a few entities, thereby impacting their operational independence and fee structures.
The European Commission has released draft guidelines to clarify the classification of high-risk artificial intelligence (AI) systems under upcoming regulations. This move aims to provide guidance for AI developers and deployers to comply with the EU's AI Act, which will impact how AI is developed and utilized across various sectors, including potentially video applications.
Canada's 2023 Online Streaming Act, which grants the CRTC authority over Canadian content prioritization, has generated a threat of a trade war from the United States. The law allows the CRTC to influence online content seen by Canadians by requiring streaming services to prioritize Canadian content.
Public-interest groups have asked the D.C. Circuit to stay the Media Bureau's order approving the Nexstar/Tegna merger. They also urged the court to compel the FCC to review their petition regarding the decision.
The Delhi High Court has declined to halt the OTT release of "Dhurandhar: The Revenge" amid a copyright dispute, ordering T-Series to deposit Rs 50 lakh (approximately $60,000 USD) with the court. The dispute concerns the alleged unauthorized use of a copyrighted work titled "Tirchi Topiwale" in the film.
India's ambitions for satellite-to-smartphone (D2D) connectivity are reportedly encountering challenges related to hardware constraints and spectrum policy, according to Apple and Google. These factors are identified as crucial for the widespread implementation of D2D services in India.
South Africa is progressing with legislative amendments to its communications law, aiming to facilitate the entry of Starlink into the country. This move signals a broader shift in the nation's broadband policy regarding satellite internet access.
The EU AI Act will reach full enforcement for high-risk AI systems on August 2, 2026, requiring automatic logging and retention of decision logs for a minimum of six months, among other compliance measures. Most current AI agent architectures lack the necessary infrastructure for these requirements, particularly in areas like prompt injection detection and detailed decision audit trails. The article advises implementing security scanning, structured logging, and human oversight hooks to meet the Act's obligations, noting the overlap between compliance and security infrastructure.
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has begun enforcement of Section 3 of the "Take It Down Act," which mandates covered online platforms to remove nonconsensual intimate imagery, including deepfakes, within 48 hours of a valid request. The Act, signed into law a year prior, requires platforms to implement clear notice and removal processes and be prepared to demonstrate compliance, with violations potentially incurring civil penalties of $53,088 per infringement.
A market outlook report from Virousr Dynamics projects significant growth for the global ATSC 3.0 Set-Top Box Market through 2032 due to increasing adoption of smart TVs and 4K/8K broadcasting. The report highlights trends like hybrid broadcast-broadband systems and interactive services, with key market players identified. The analysis focuses on how ATSC 3.0's next-generation digital transmission technology is transforming home entertainment.
Professor Diana M. Bowman will speak about Australia's pioneering efforts in Big Tech regulation, highlighting its ban on social media for under-16s, which resulted in 4.7 million account deactivations in six weeks. Australia has also implemented the News Media Bargaining Code, streaming quotas on major platforms like Netflix and Disney+, and established the eSafety Commissioner, serving as a live experiment in platform governance being studied by other nations.
FERA participated in the 79th Cannes Film Festival, engaging in discussions with European Commission representatives, filmmakers, and policymakers regarding the future of European audiovisual policy and funding. Key topics included advocating for direct support for creators, distinguishing journalism from documentary in funding, addressing loopholes in the AVMSD for global streaming platforms, and protecting creators' rights against generative AI. Debates also covered the sustainability crisis in the US industry and the importance of theatrical exhibition.
The Delhi High Court set aside a 2018 decree compelling two DVD player manufacturers to pay royalty to Philips for alleged infringement of its DVD decoding technology patent. The court determined that Philips failed to establish infringement and that the patent was not proven to be a Standard Essential Patent (SEP), additionally citing patent exhaustion as a defense.
The NFL has acknowledged reports regarding Fox's alleged involvement in a federal antitrust investigation against the league. An NFL spokesperson commented that Fox's actions were "a little bit odd" given the network's commitment to broadcast TV.
The article highlights the growing importance of media provenance and AI security in streaming, predicting the market will expand from hundreds of millions to billions within five years. It suggests that upcoming standards like Media-Over-QUIC RFC could incorporate "human guarantees" against AI-generated content, pushing content providers to adopt AI-focused DRM and authenticity solutions.
The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism has distributed an English version of its "Guide to Fair Use for AI Training of Works." This guide aims to provide clarity on the legal framework for using copyrighted materials in AI training.
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has filed a lawsuit against Netflix, alleging the company collects consumer data without user knowledge and employs addictive design practices to retain subscribers. The suit claims these actions are deceptive to consumers. This legal action targets Netflix's data collection and user engagement strategies.
HTX and Adobe are collaborating to test provenance, metadata, and watermarking tools. The objective is to improve the verification of manipulated digital content. This initiative aims to address concerns around the authenticity of digital media.
The Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI) has introduced new guidelines for AI-generated advertising content, requiring mandatory disclosures. These norms are expected to impact campaign approvals and creative workflows across various sectors, including agencies and the DOOH industry.
The LPTV Broadcasters Association has formally requested that FCC Chairman Brendan Carr grant low-power television (LPTV) broadcasters regulatory adjustments similar to those given to cellular providers. They are seeking immediate action to modernize LPTV broadcasting and provide greater technological flexibility.
This article discusses the regulatory blind spots exploited by the entertainment industry, specifically streaming platforms, regarding health content. It highlights how varying regulations across the US, EU, and Asia allow "wellness" content, including supplement promotions and unproven protocols, to circumvent medical advertising rules. The author predicts that a major jurisdiction, likely in the EU or ASEAN, will eventually challenge streaming platforms' duty of care for algorithmically amplified health claims.
Brazilian courts, specifically the 6th Business Trial Court of Rio de Janeiro, affirmed its jurisdiction in a Standard Essential Patent (SEP) dispute involving HEVC technology between JVCKenwood and implementers Hisense and Multilaser. This ruling pushed back against alleged 'forum shopping' tactics by the implementers, upholding good faith in procedural rules and emphasizing expert analysis in infringement determinations. A preliminary injunction was granted to JVC, and Hisense eventually joined Access Advance's HEVC Advance Patent Pool following a global settlement.
The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) is considering whether Free Ad-Supported Streaming Television (FAST) channels and other app-based linear TV services should be brought under a formal regulatory framework, initiating a debate between traditional broadcasters and digital platforms. This potential regulatory move could impact how these services operate in India.
Sovereign Peak Ventures (SPV), a patent assertion entity, has filed a lawsuit against ByteDance and its affiliates, TikTok and Pico, for alleged infringement of 10 patents related to HEVC/H.265 and Wi-Fi Direct/Miracast technologies. This marks SPV's first patent assertion targeting a streaming media platform, accusing ByteDance's TikTok and various BytePlus services of HEVC infringement, and Pico VR headsets of Wi-Fi Direct infringement.
The European Union (EU) has released an updated code of practice to assist companies in understanding and complying with the transparency requirements of its AI Act. The code aims to provide guidance for implementing the regulations governing artificial intelligence.
Reliance Jio has opened its low-cost 4G feature phone recharge plans to devices from rival companies. This action follows an order from the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI), which identified device-specific tariffs as discriminatory.
The D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals expressed doubt regarding Standard General's lawsuit against the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) alleging a racist conspiracy. The suit claims the FCC blocked its acquisition of Tegna due to racial bias.
The EU has delayed the compliance deadline for its AI Act, prompting Hexnode to advise companies to audit their AI systems proactively. While the specific compliance date is not mentioned, the article emphasizes that companies should use this additional time to prepare for the regulatory requirements.
38 Degrees, a UK-based public campaign organization, is urging Ofcom to take action against GB News for allegedly flouting broadcasting rules. The campaign was launched in response to a recent incident involving a GB News presenter's comments, highlighting concerns about the broadcaster's adherence to regulatory standards.
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has sued Netflix, alleging the streaming service covertly collected extensive behavioral data from Texans, including children. The lawsuit claims Netflix misrepresented its privacy practices while harvesting this data.
Litigation surrounding the HEVC Advance Patent Pool is increasing, with key industry players like ASUS, ACER, Hisense, Meta, and Disney facing infringement actions from licensors such as Nokia and Huawei. These disputes involve FRAND terms and are occurring across multiple jurisdictions, including the Unified Patent Court (UPC), Germany, the United States, Brazil, India, and the UK High Court.
Digimarc announced the release of the first digital watermarking implementation approved for use in the C2PA 2.1 standard. This integration allows digital watermarking to be applied to Content Credentials, enhancing authenticity and resistance to manipulation for digital content, especially in the context of generative AI.
China has implemented a new law, effective October 25, requiring influencers to hold formal qualifications in fields like medicine, law, education, or finance to discuss these professional topics. The Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC) introduced this mandate to combat misinformation, with platforms like Douyin, Bilibili, and Weibo responsible for verifying influencer credentials and ensuring proper content citations. The law also bans advertising for medical services and products to curb disguised covert promotions.
The OpenMOQ Software Consortium has formed to advance the Media Over QUIC (MOQ) protocol, an open-source publish-subscribe protocol designed for tunable latency streaming. Charter members include Akamai, CDN77, Cisco, Red5, Synamedia, and YouTube, alongside other standard and academic members, collaborating on implementations based on IETF QUIC and WebTransport standards.
Adobe published a consolidated list of security bulletins and advisories for numerous products, including several directly relevant to video streaming and production such as Adobe Premiere Pro, Media Encoder, After Effects, and Content Credentials SDK. These bulletins detail security updates to address vulnerabilities across various software versions.
The UK government is considering extending the BBC license fee to households that exclusively use streaming services like Netflix and Disney+ as part of a review to modernize the public service broadcaster's funding model. This option is being discussed by the Prime Minister's office, the Treasury, and the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.
DVB will host a workshop at the 2026 Strategies in Satellite Ground Segment (SSGS) conference in London, focusing on its DVB-S2X and DVB-RCS2 standards for Non-Geosynchronous Satellite Orbit (NGSO) constellations. The workshop will present independent simulation results confirming the standards' performance for high throughput, low latency, and robust link availability in NGSO systems. Speakers from MDA Space, Magister Solutions, EASii IC, and Rohde & Schwarz will discuss the technical specifications, on-board processing, user terminal design, and interoperability benefits.
Nokia has successfully won an appeal in the UK, blocking lawsuits brought by Acer and Asus regarding video streaming patent disputes. The Court of Appeal ruled that Nokia had offered a license on fair, reasonable, and non-discriminatory (FRAND) terms to be determined through arbitration, thereby ending the London lawsuits against them.
The Canadian Digital Regulators Forum (CDRF), which includes the CRTC, will host an interactive workshop on May 21, 2026, to discuss regulatory perspectives on artificial intelligence (AI). The workshop aims to gather stakeholders to address the impact of AI on competition, privacy, copyright law, and telecommunications and broadcasting regulation in Canada.
The FCC informed a federal appeals court that it expects to vote on the Media Bureau's approval of the $6.2 billion Nexstar-TEGNA merger sometime this year. The agency requested that the court not dictate its timetable for the decision process.
The European Union has provisionally agreed to delay the implementation of certain rules within its AI Act by up to 16 months. Existing provisions on high-risk AI systems, originally set for August 2026, will now become active in December 2027 for standalone systems and August 2028 for embedded systems, aiming to streamline and harmonize implementation.
SMPTE announced the ST 2110 Boot Camp for June 2026, an intensive 13-week program with 20 modules across three courses focusing on transitioning from SDI to ST 2110 IP workflows. The program, which includes self-paced modules and live instructor-led coaching, aims to equip professionals with practical skills and an industry-recognized credential for IP-based live production.
This article details the program for the SMPTE Media Technology Conference Europe in 2026, which will be held in Europe for the first time. The conference spans two days, May 13-14, 2026, and features numerous sessions on topics including AI in media workflows, hybrid live production, remote production, cloud MCR transformation, and 5G broadcast. Various companies and academic institutions are contributing speakers and sponsors.
Dolby Video Compression has filed patent infringement lawsuits against Snap Inc. in the US and Brazil, alleging infringement of patents related to AV1 and HEVC video coding technologies. This legal action targets Snap as a social content platform and signals a shift by Dolby towards a "Patent As A Subscription" licensing model for video distribution, seeking recurring revenue rather than one-off hardware charges.
