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.
The HbbTV Association has launched an "HbbTV Application Showcase" to exhibit real-world applications of its specification. This showcase will feature functionalities such as interactive advertising, program enhancements, on-demand catalogs, EPGs, FAST Channel access, gaming, accessibility services, and addressable advertising. The initiative aims to provide insights into the capabilities of HbbTV in various streaming contexts.
The Motion Picture Association (MPA) has urged the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) not to reclassify virtual multichannel video programming distributors (vMVPDs). This comes as broadcasters and the NAB have been advocating for changes to retransmission consent negotiation rules with streamers like YouTube TV.
Free Press has filed comments asserting the FCC lacks authority to regulate children's programming ratings. This action responds to conservative groups urging the FCC to implement TV warning labels for transgender and nonbinary content.
HDR10+ Technologies is launching the Eclipsa Video Certification Program, a new standard based on a SMPTE specification. This program aims to deliver improved video performance for devices and content that support HDR10+ dynamic metadata.
Via Licensing Alliance has expanded its Voice Codec patent pool by adding a new unnamed licensee and two new licensors, NovaVoice Limited and Cordial IP. This growth in licensors and licensees signifies increasing industry adoption of collaborative licensing for voice technologies like EVS and IVAS, driven by the rollout of 5G and 5G-Advanced networks. Via also published its full rate structure for the Voice Codec pool, aiming to provide transparency and predictability for implementers.
Brazil's Ministry of Communications, Anatel, and Seja Digital will deploy BRL 20 million to accelerate the rollout of 5G technology. The funding is intended to expedite infrastructure development for the new mobile standard.
A court ruling in BitHarmony, LLC v. Amazon.com, Inc. found three streaming patents ineligible under Section 101, but deemed one eligible after it survived Alice Step Two. This decision follows all four patents failing Alice Step One, as reported by Holland & Knight LLP.
Ofcom, the UK regulator, has initiated fresh scrutiny against TikTok and YouTube following their failure to adequately explain how their recommendation systems prevent harmful content from reaching children. This action occurs as other social media platforms like Snap, Meta, and Roblox have agreed to implement new measures to combat grooming.
The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) announced that online streaming services operating in Canada must contribute 5% of their Canadian revenues to support the Canadian broadcasting system, starting in the 2024-2025 broadcast year. This decision, resulting from the Online Streaming Act, is expected to generate an estimated $200 million annually for areas including local news, French-language content, Indigenous content, and content from various equity-deserving communities. Online streaming services will have some flexibility in directing parts of their contributions to support Canadian television content directly.
SAG-AFTRA's National Board has approved the tentative 2026 TV/Theatrical Contracts with the AMPTP and is recommending members vote yes for ratification. The four-year deal, set to run from July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2030, includes gains in AI protections, streaming residuals, and a framework for merging the SAG Pension Plan and AFTRA Retirement Fund. Voting for eligible members opened on May 14, 2026, and closes on June 4, 2026.
The National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) of Nigeria has defended its new "Big Picture" hybrid strategy for the country's Digital Switch-Over (DSO), scheduling a national launch for June 17, 2026, and a final analogue switch-off for December 31, 2028. The strategy will integrate Direct-to-Home (DTH), Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT), and Internet Protocol (IP)-based broadcasting, including satellite services via NigComSat, to achieve nationwide digital coverage. This initiative aims to unlock Nigeria's advertising market through improved audience measurement and free up valuable spectrum for over $1 billion in auction proceeds.
The Motion Picture Association (MPA) has expressed approval for a site-blocking order from the UK High Court of Justice. This order is intended to streamline the process for blocking access to infringing websites.
Apple's upcoming iOS 27 update may introduce native support for Google Cast and other third-party streaming protocols, allowing users to send media from iPhones to TVs and speakers without requiring explicit app support. This change is reportedly driven by the European Union's Digital Markets Act, which has mandated greater interoperability from Apple.
A negotiator of the European AI Law warns of a significant imbalance between technology companies and the cultural sector, indicating early legislative efforts by the European Union to regulate Artificial Intelligence. The statement highlights the EU's pioneering role in defining the scope of AI technology through legislation.
This article discusses the importance for businesses to understand their role in the context of the EU AI Act due to its significant compliance and risk implications. It highlights that misunderstanding how a business uses AI can lead to overlooked risks under the new regulations.
This article is an opinion piece from The Globe and Mail discussing new rules from the CRTC. The headline suggests these rules impact Canadian content and trade.
The European Union (EU) is reportedly preparing to fine Google for alleged Digital Markets Act (DMA) breaches. This action precedes a final decision expected in the summer, according to a report from Handelsblatt via Reuters.
The European Union is preparing to issue a potentially record-breaking fine against Google under the Digital Markets Act (DMA). This fine would target Google's alleged dominance in search. The article indicates this could be the largest DMA penalty to date.
The European Union (EU) is preparing to impose a "high triple-digit million euro fine" on Google, a unit of Alphabet Inc. This penalty is related to an antitrust case concerning Google's search practices under the Digital Markets Act (DMA).
The European Commission is planning to fine Google for violations under the Digital Markets Act (DMA) related to its search practices. The potential fine could reach up to 10% of Google's global turnover.
The European Commission is reportedly planning to fine Google a high triple-digit million euro amount following an antitrust investigation. The company faces allegations related to its advertising technology business.
The European Union is preparing to fine Google hundreds of millions of euros. This penalty is reportedly for breaching the Digital Markets Act.
The European Union is reportedly planning to fine Alphabet's Google a high triple-digit million euro sum. This fine is part of an ongoing antitrust investigation by the EU.
The European Union is conducting its third annual review of platform power under the Digital Markets Act (DMA). This ongoing process is part of the EU's efforts to strengthen competition and ensure fair treatment in digital markets.
The European Commission is reportedly planning to issue a record financial penalty to Google LLC. This fine concerns Google's practices within the search market, as reported by SiliconANGLE.
South Korea's budget ministry is advocating for the merger of the nation's existing ICT and broadcasting funds. The proposal aims to streamline the use of spectrum fees and enhance efficiency in resource allocation. This initiative seeks to unify funding mechanisms for these related sectors.
The U.S. envoy to Canada criticized the CRTC's new policy requiring online streaming services to allocate 15 percent of their Canadian profits to Canadian content. Ambassador Pete Hoekstra indicated displeasure with the Canadian regulator's directive.
The CRTC has released research indicating a generational divide in news consumption habits within Canada. The study found that individuals aged 55 and older predominantly get their news from television, while those aged 45 and under primarily access news via the internet.
Canada is tripling its "Netflix tax" on foreign digital streaming platforms, aiming to generate more revenue. However, local unions and creatives express skepticism that the increased funds will be allocated to subsidize Canadian dramas, documentaries, and other content.
The CRTC is implementing the modernized Broadcasting Act by enhancing programming accessibility for Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing Canadians. This action signifies a step towards broader inclusivity in Canadian broadcasting.
The CRTC has introduced new rules that mandate online streaming services operating in Canada to provide captioning for their programming. This measure aims to enhance accessibility for Canadian individuals who are Deaf, DeafBlind, or hard of hearing.
Conservatives in Canada are demanding that the Liberal government end the CRTC's recent streaming levy, which they refer to as a 'Netflix tax.' This demand comes amidst increasing streaming prices for consumers. The article provides a short video report on this political development.
The CRTC has increased the contribution requirement for TV streaming services to 15% of their Canadian revenues, designated for Canadian content. A decision on a similar 'streaming tax' for music streaming platforms is expected "forthcoming." This regulatory change aims to ensure foreign streaming services contribute to Canadian content creation, aligning with the Online Streaming Act.
Meta is actively lobbying the UK Labour government to impose age verification requirements on Apple, amidst potential UK legislation to ban individuals under 16 from social media. This initiative follows meetings with the government and Ofcom regarding upcoming regulatory changes.
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has issued a ruling that is expected to significantly increase broadband availability for Americans. This ruling achieves this by expanding the capacity of satellite networks. The expansion will boost capacity by several times its current level.
The FCC has issued a public notice indicating its intent to label programming featuring transgender actors or gender non-binary themes as unsuitable for children. This action suggests a move toward censoring specific content based on its thematic elements.
The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Communications and IT in India will convene on May 26 to discuss telecom Quality of Service (QoS) and Net Neutrality. This meeting will include representatives from the Ministry and the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI).
India's Parliamentary Standing Committee on Communications and Information Technology is scheduled to meet on May 26 to discuss net neutrality and telecom service quality. These deliberations are part of ongoing efforts to address key policy and infrastructure issues within the communications sector. The committee's discussions could influence future regulatory decisions impacting internet services in the region.
Telstra and Ericsson have partnered to advance 6G technology research and trials in Australia. This collaboration aims to enhance digital innovation and connectivity within the country.
Research from the Association for the Advancement of Artificial Intelligence suggests that C2PA provenance labels enhance trust in digital news platforms across Western countries. The study indicates that these labels, designed to verify the origin and history of digital content, can positively influence user perception of news reliability. This finding has implications for combating misinformation and fostering credibility in the digital media landscape.
The National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) has set June 17, 2026, for the national launch of the digital switch-over (DSO) and December 31, 2028, as the final deadline for the full transition from analogue to digital television in Nigeria. This initiative aims to modernize broadcasting infrastructure and enhance television services across the country.
Nigeria has set a new deadline of 2028 for the full implementation of its Digital Switch-Over (DSO) program. The National Broadcasting Commission is driving this initiative to transition from analogue to digital terrestrial television broadcasting.
Nigeria has officially set December 31, 2028, as the deadline for the final Digital Switch Over (DSO) across the country. This follows an earlier outline of June 17, 2026, for the national launch.
NIGCOMSAT Limited and the NBC have introduced a hybrid model for Nigeria's Digital Switchover (DSO). This new approach aims to expand access to digital television services across the country.
Brazil is implementing new legislation that will hold digital platforms accountable for content posted on their services. These laws are poised to introduce a new phase in social media regulation within the country. The article discusses what this new social media law means for digital platforms.
India is focused on building trusted digital infrastructure by transitioning from sovereign cloud strategies to sovereign AI cloud initiatives. This move is driven by the necessity for population-scale AI deployment and the foundational requirement for trusted, secure digital infrastructure.
South Korea is experiencing delays in the rollout of 5G SA and 6G technologies as telecommunications carriers are reluctant to invest in unprofitable network upgrades. The stagnation in average revenue per user (ARPU) growth is cited as the primary reason for carriers' hesitation to make significant new network investments.
An Esya Centre study indicates that the New Tariff Order (NTO) bouquet restrictions are negatively impacting the consumer experience in India's pay-TV market. The study suggests that these regulatory measures by TRAI limit consumer choice and increase costs, thereby making pay-TV less attractive.
The European Commission is advancing a new AI transparency code under the EU AI Act. This development follows workshops where industry players and civil society groups discussed the Act's transparency obligations. The initiative aims to provide clearer guidelines for AI systems.
Thailand's Digital Economy Ministry is demanding answers from Meta regarding illegal obscene livestreams that remained active on Facebook for up to eight hours. This action highlights governmental concern over content moderation on social media platforms.
