Streaming Regulation, Codec Licensing & Media Policy News

CableLabs has outlined its technology vision focused on adaptive, context-aware networks and real-time connectivity. They plan to conduct Interop·Labs for Low Latency, Low Loss, Scalable Throughput (L4S) and XGS-PON technologies in June 2026 to enhance network reliability and performance. This initiative aims to align the industry towards developing more advanced and responsive cable networks.

The Advanced Television Systems Committee (ATSC) has announced the agenda for its 2026 NextGen Broadcast Conference, scheduled for June 2-3, 2026. The conference will bring together industry leaders from organizations like NAB, LG Electronics, and Sinclair to discuss the ongoing ATSC 3.0 transition and its implications. Sessions will cover technical developments, including ATSC 3.0's role in improving TV viewing, datacasting revenue models, 5G Broadcast harmonization, and the integration of AI agents for member organizations.

The Consumer Technology Association (CTA) submitted data to the FCC, arguing against a mandatory ATSC 3.0 transition. The CTA emphasized that streaming services currently complement traditional broadcasting for sports access, and that 18.6 million NextGen TV sets have been sold voluntarily since 2020. The association advocates for a consumer-driven, voluntary transition to ATSC 3.0, asserting that a mandate would burden consumers with unnecessary costs.

European telecom operators are deliberately deploying 5G Standalone (SA) networks slower than other regions, emphasizing a value-driven and strategic approach due to monetization and device availability concerns. Despite the slower pace, the rollout is accelerating in some markets and is expected to enable mission-critical use cases and AI-driven network optimization. Globally, 28.5% of 5G networks now utilize SA architecture, with 95 operators having launched 5G SA services.

The US Register of Copyrights has renewed The Mechanical Licensing Collective's (MLC) designation as the statutory collective for administering blanket compulsory mechanical licenses for streaming and download services in the US. Since its operations began in January 2021, The MLC has distributed nearly $4 billion in royalties to songwriters and music publishers. The decision follows a required periodic review and validates The MLC's adherence to the Music Modernization Act.

Huawei is set to face a U.S. federal criminal trial in New York in September 2026, accused of racketeering, sanctions violations, and trade-secret theft spanning two decades. The FBI is investigating a trade-show incident from around 20 years ago, where a Huawei employee allegedly photographed Fujitsu equipment, as part of preparations for the case.

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell will not testify before Congress regarding the league's TV and streaming deals, citing ongoing litigation. The hearing aims to address concerns about the cost of watching NFL games and whether the league's streaming practices comply with the Sports Broadcasting Act of 1961, which granted the NFL an antitrust exemption for broadcast networks but not streaming.

Former FCC Commissioner McDowell advocates for the FCC to deny Ligado Networks' application with AST SpaceMobile, citing concerns about spectrum warehousing and potential interference risks. He argues that approval would hinder U.S. space leadership by rewarding inefficient spectrum use and blocking competition for direct-to-device satellite broadband services crucial for economic activity in space.

A University of Wollongong study for the Australian Government recommends mandatory restrictions on unhealthy food marketing to children across all media, including streaming and digital platforms. The report proposes eight actions for government, advocating for comprehensive regulation rather than voluntary industry codes to protect children from harmful food marketing tactics.

North Carolina's House of Representatives passed a bill to regulate data centers' energy and water consumption, aiming to prevent utility bill increases for residents. The legislation seeks to ban local incentives for data centers and address concerns regarding noise pollution, while also fast-tracking nuclear power development. Tech industry groups, including The Data Center Coalition representing major hyperscalers, have criticized parts of the bill, arguing it could harm North Carolina's competitiveness for new data center construction.

The Delhi High Court affirmed a 12-minute per hour advertising cap for broadcasters, based on 1994 and 2012 regulations. This ruling directly impacts revenue streams for both pay TV and free-to-air channels in India, leading broadcasters to plan an appeal to the Supreme Court. The article highlights the discrepancy between these "archaic rules" and the evolving streaming market where consumers have more control over ads.

Indonesia has enacted a strict new regulation banning social media access for users under 16, compelling major platforms such as Meta, YouTube, and Roblox to implement age restrictions and specific child-focused services. This policy, a first in Southeast Asia, necessitates rapid redesigns by global platforms to comply with the new rules in Indonesia, a key digital market with a young population. Regulators are also considering further measures, including local representative offices and verified mobile numbers for account registration.

Ottawa has significantly redirected its policy regarding the Online Streaming Act, including a federal investment of $600 million for Canada's audio and audiovisual sectors. This move aims to stabilize content costs and protect consumers from potential price increases, while also directing the CRTC to review its recent decision on Canadian content spending requirements for streamers. The government intends to develop new policy directions to adjust the implementation of the Online Streaming Act, ensuring affordability and choice for consumers.

UK Minister Kanishka Narayan is proposing potential communication restrictions on gaming platforms for children, expanding online safety policies beyond social media. This initiative could impact platforms like Roblox and Fortnite, focusing on disallowing 'stranger pairing' features. Gaming companies, including Roblox, have already begun implementing enhanced safety measures, such as age-based accounts and facial age estimation, in response to growing global scrutiny.

The LPTV Broadcasters Association has petitioned the FCC to recognize 3GPP 5G Broadcast as a voluntary transmission option for Low Power Television stations, sparking a debate with proponents of ATSC 3.0. This action highlights a growing divergence in preferred broadcast spectrum utilization formats within the LPTV community. The move has drawn criticism from figures associated with ATSC 3.0, including Sinclair Broadcast Group's ONE Media.

ATSC has awarded its highest technical honor, the Bernard Lechner Outstanding Contributor Award, to Julia Kenyon, Director of Broadcast Engineering at Sinclair, for her significant contributions to the ATSC 3.0 digital television standard. Kenyon has led multiple groups focused on ATSC 3.0 deployment and chairs the Specialist Group on Advanced Broadcast Applications. The award will be presented at the ATSC NextGen Broadcast Conference in June.

ATSC is urging the industry to look beyond traditional TV for ATSC 3.0 success, focusing on its data delivery capabilities for new revenue streams. The standard's potential for datacasting in automotive, education, and IoT could transform local TV stations into digital infrastructure providers. This strategic shift is vital for the long-term economic model of the broadcast industry.

Operation KRATOS 2, coordinated by Europol and Bulgaria, successfully dismantled nine criminal groups operating illegal streaming services between September 2025 and April 2026. The operation led to 29 arrests, 86 identified suspects, and the removal of over 27,000 illegal streaming URLs, highlighting ongoing efforts to disrupt the complex infrastructure behind content piracy. Private sector partners like AAPA, ACE/MPA, LALIGA, UEFA, Friend MTS, beIN Media Group, and Irdeto collaborated with authorities.

South Korea's Ministry of Science and ICT (MSIT) has deemed a member information leak at OTT service Tving a major incident and formed a joint public-private investigation team. The team, including MSIT, KISA, and private experts, will probe the cause and scale of the damage. MSIT also issued a public security advisory to prevent secondary misuse of leaked data.

Celios reports that tax revenue from Google and Meta's Indonesian digital transactions, valued at Rp1,350 trillion in 2024, is flowing to Singapore due to global OTT platforms not operating as Permanent Establishments in Indonesia. The digital sector's tax contribution ratio to Indonesia's national digital economy is only 0.27%, with the tax burden largely falling on consumers. Celios proposes policy scenarios including a withholding tax (WHT) and a Universal Service Obligation (USO) levy to address this issue.

This article discusses ongoing retransmission consent negotiations between broadcasters and MVPDs. These negotiations directly influence content availability and distribution costs, which impacts streaming industry professionals.

A coalition of industry groups, including NCTA and ACA Connects, is urging Congress to pass the SECURE Data Act (S. 3843). This bipartisan legislation aims to empower the Commerce Department to address data security risks posed by foreign adversaries without disrupting the broader data economy. The groups highlight the bill's alignment with their support for a national privacy framework while balancing security needs.

The FCC's June 6 open meeting will include a vote on a Report and Order aimed at establishing specific timeframes for state and local governments to approve modifications to existing wireless structures. This action seeks to prevent indefinite delays in updates to broadband and wireless infrastructure. The order clarifies the "reasonable period of time" for local permitting decisions.

The National Advertising Division (NAD) has issued an unspecified ruling, indicating ongoing regulatory oversight related to advertising practices. While the specific details of the ruling are not provided, it signifies continued activity in the field of advertising standards.

Experts are debating the applicability of Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act to artificial intelligence, considering its protection for online platforms regarding third-party content. This discussion is pertinent to the streaming industry as it could influence legal liabilities for AI-generated content or recommendations presented on streaming platforms. The outcome may redefine how streaming services manage AI-driven features and content.

JAKTV is under investigation by Indonesian broadcasting authorities after explicit adult content was accidentally broadcast for several minutes during family programming on June 2, 2026. The incident, which led to public complaints and social media circulation of clips, could result in fines, license reviews, or mandatory compliance measures for the station.

The Australian Mobile Telecommunications Association (AMTA) has criticized the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) for increasing spectrum renewal fees. AMTA warns that these higher fees could lead to increased costs for mobile network operators and subsequently higher consumer prices in Australia. The hike may also negatively impact infrastructure investment in the region.

This article discusses the institutional framework surrounding the ISM band, defined by the International Telecommunication Union and Japan's Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications. It explains that this shared spectrum space requires communication services to accept interference, establishing a hierarchy between primary and secondary services, which impacts the deployment of license-free technologies like Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has introduced new tariff regulations for the Indian pay-TV market. These rules cap discounts on television channel bouquets at 45% of the total price of individual channels. The regulations aim to promote fair pricing and enhance consumer choice between a la carte channel selections and bundled offerings.

The Video Services Forum (VSF) has released the TR-10 open specifications for IPMX, an interoperable IP media standard designed for Pro AV and IT organizations. These specifications are built upon SMPTE ST 2110 and are the result of a seven-year collaboration among industry bodies including AIMS, SMPTE, and EBU.

Lenny Henry has urged the media industry to continue its commitment to diversity and inclusion initiatives. His warning comes amid increasing hostility towards such efforts. He emphasizes the importance of standing against racism, sexism, and inequality.

The Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI) has proposed risk-based guidelines for disclosing AI-generated content in advertising, open for public comment until June 13. This initiative aims to address ethical considerations as AI increasingly integrates into creative workflows for brands like Tata Power. Stakeholders agree the guidelines reinforce existing protections regarding consent, IP, and consumer deception, but raise questions about drawing lines for disclosure as AI blurs the distinction between advertising and content.

The Delhi High Court fined Google Rs 30 lakh for trademark keyword misuse in its Google Ads platform, ruling that Google profits from third-party trademarks without authorization. This judgment challenges the practice of advertisers bidding on competitor brand names and could lead to a redesign of Google's advertising system. The decision is expected to increase trademark litigation and force brands to re-evaluate their digital advertising strategies, potentially shifting focus from keyword arbitrage to brand equity and SEO.

Ghanaian policymakers are considering a review of TikTok's operations due to concerns about national security, data privacy, and mental health risks. Potential regulatory measures include age verification, data localization, and algorithmic audits, with a full ban remaining a possibility if TikTok fails to comply. The move aligns with a global trend of governments imposing stricter regulations on the platform.

TP-Link plans to launch its Wi-Fi 8 Archer 8 router, but a U.S. ban on foreign-made routers could prevent its sale, highlighting concerns about access to new networking technology. The company manufactures its products in Vietnam and currently lacks an FCC exemption needed to sell new models in the U.S. This situation underscores a broader industry concern where nearly all routers are made outside the U.S., potentially leading to higher costs and stifled innovation due to manufacturing relocation requirements.

The European Union is set to unveil a new tech sovereignty agenda aimed at reducing its dependence on US and Chinese technology providers, focusing on domestic semiconductor manufacturing and open-source tech. This initiative includes measures like a "Chips Act 2.0" and a "Cloud and AI Development Act" that could require member states to assess reliance on non-European tech. Such assessments have significant implications for US cloud providers, potentially shifting investment towards European alternatives and promoting open-source solutions.

A coalition of thirteen European cloud providers, tech firms, lawmakers, and civil society groups is backing an EU initiative to reduce reliance on US technology giants. The European Commission is expected to introduce measures to prioritize European providers in public cloud contracts and encourage investment in domestic semiconductor production. This move signals Europe’s shift toward an active industrial strategy, aiming to build an independent technology ecosystem and address concerns about digital sovereignty.

CNN is suing AI company Perplexity for allegedly copying and distributing over 17,000 CNN stories and other content to train its products, marking CNN's first legal action against an AI company for copyright protection. This lawsuit is part of a broader industry effort by news providers to secure compensation from AI platforms using their content for training data. Perplexity's Chief Communications Officer stated that "You can't copyright facts" in response to the allegations.

The article discusses the critical legal and practical considerations for copyrighting AI-generated video content, highlighting the U.S. Copyright Office's requirement for human authorship and mandatory disclosure for realistic synthetic media. It provides a comprehensive guide for creators on ensuring commercial usability by documenting human contributions and understanding tool licenses. The piece outlines various AI video legal issues, including output ownership, infringement risks, and platform-specific disclosure rules, offering a safe workflow checklist for creators.

The European Commission has formed a Scientific Panel and an Advisory Forum to oversee the implementation and enforcement of the AI Act. These bodies will provide expert advice to the Commission’s AI Office and national authorities on applying AI regulations, focusing on general-purpose AI and related challenges. Members of the panels include experts from academia, civil society, industry, and key EU agencies like the EU Agency for Cybersecurity.

The Open Markets Institute published a report, authored by Sally Hubbard, warning policymakers about the potential for exploitation by AI agents. The report argues that AI agents, acting as "internet middlemen," could amplify exploitative business models and calls for regulatory measures to ensure they serve users' interests or disclose corporate allegiances. Recommendations include applying fiduciary duties to AI agents, establishing strong data protections, requiring transparency, promoting competition, and preventing dominant firms from controlling AI infrastructure.

Australia has implemented a ban on social media access for users under 16, imposing significant fines on platforms like Meta, X, YouTube, and TikTok for non-compliance. This world-first regulation creates compliance challenges and potential revenue impacts for streaming and social media giants operating globally. The government states the measure is necessary to protect children from "predatory algorithms" and harmful content.

The Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI) has drafted new guidelines for AI-generated advertising, proposing a risk-based framework for disclosures and outright bans on certain misleading content. Simultaneously, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) released new rules tightening compliance timelines for synthetic media and deepfakes, requiring platforms to implement technical measures and mandate user declarations for AI-generated content. These regulations aim to combat the rise of deceptive AI advertising and synthetic media, with a focus on honesty, consent, and clear labeling.

At the Dublin Tech Summit, HaystackID executives detailed a 2024 deepfake fraud case where AI-generated faces and voices were used live in a video conference, leading to a $25.6 million transfer. The incident highlights the shift from integrity checks to authenticity testing in digital forensics due to synthetic media. New EU and U.S. regulations are emerging to address AI fraud and transparency obligations, requiring companies to adapt their practices.

Colorado and Connecticut recently enacted significant AI legislation, demonstrating evolving state-level regulatory approaches in the absence of federal frameworks. Colorado's Revised AI Act scales back prior comprehensive requirements, focusing on transparency and disclosure for automated decision-making. Connecticut's AI Act adopts a modular, use-case-specific approach, imposing targeted obligations on areas such as AI companions, synthetic media, and employment-related AI, with some provisions addressing generative AI with high user counts.

The Delhi High Court has granted interim relief to actor Varun Dhawan, ordering the takedown of AI-generated deepfakes and unauthorized merchandise using his likeness. This ruling restrains several websites, social-media intermediaries, and e-commerce platforms from distributing or commercializing such content. The decision highlights how existing personality rights are being applied to synthetic media, with direct operational implications for content moderation and platform safety teams.

The Delhi High Court has granted actor Naga Chaitanya interim protection, ordering the removal of pornographic deepfake, AI-generated content, and unauthorized merchandise featuring him within 24 hours. This ruling is a significant legal action against the misuse of synthetic media and sets a precedent for content moderation platforms regarding AI-generated content of public figures. The court explicitly restrained the use of AI, Generative AI, Machine Learning, deepfakes, AI chatbots, and face-morphing technologies in relation to the actor's identity.