Streaming Regulation, Codec Licensing & Media Policy News

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.

May 13•Punch Newspapers: Nigeria fixes June 17 DSO rollout after years of delays
Nigeria's Federal Government has set June 17, 2026, for the nationwide rollout of its long-delayed Digital Switch Over (DSO) project, transitioning from analog to digital broadcasting. This initiative, supported by a N10bn grant, aims to provide free and clearer television services, improved audience measurement for advertisers, and launch with approximately 100 channels. The project will utilize satellite technology for nationwide coverage and aims to migrate to high-definition broadcasting soon.
May 13•RBR.com: Gray and Dish settle FCC complaint after accord
Gray Media requested and was granted dismissal of its complaint against Dish by the Policy Division Chief within the FCC's Media Bureau after the two companies reached an accord.
May 13•Publicnow: EU AI Act high-risk compliance date slips past August 2026
The mandatory compliance deadline for high-risk AI under the EU AI Act has been postponed from August 2026. This change was included in the recently passed EU Digital Omnibus.
May 13•european-writers-council: EU AI Act delay draws criticism over security, high-risk uses
The European Writers' Council (EWC) expressed concern over the postponement of the entry into force of the AI Act, specifically regarding its application to security and high-risk uses.
May 13•150sec: EU reaches provisional deal to simplify AI Act compliance
The European Union has reached a provisional agreement on its AI Act, aiming to simplify compliance rules while maintaining safeguards for the European AI ecosystem.
May 13•Latham & Watkins: EU agrees to rewrite AI Act rules, extend deadlines
EU legislative bodies reached a political agreement on proposed amendments to the AI Act, referred to as the “AI Act Omnibus,” on May 7, 2026. This Agreement involves changes to existing rules and an extension of deadlines related to AI regulation within the EU.
May 13•The Guardian: Ofcom fines UK-blocked suicide forum £950,000 under Online Safety Act
Ofcom has fined a US-based internet forum £950,000 under the Online Safety Act, citing its implication in 160 UK deaths. The regulator is also attempting to block UK access to the site, which has been referenced in multiple coroners' reports.
May 13•The Times: Ofcom fines suicide forum £1 million under Online Safety Act
Ofcom has issued a £1 million fine to a suicide forum, citing its links to over 130 deaths in the UK. This action is the first of its kind under the new Online Safety Act.
May 13•Campaign Live: UK food ad ban cuts TV spend from snack brands
The UK's less healthy food ad ban has led to a sharp decline in TV advertising by confectionery, snacks, and frozen food brands. This regulatory change is reshaping media spend in the UK, impacting traditional advertising channels and potentially shifting investment to other formats.
May 13•JDSupra: Nebraska revives age-appropriate design code for online services
Nebraska is enacting legislation similar to the UK's Age-Appropriate Design Code, with last-minute changes made to the act. The law aims to regulate online services regarding child protection.
May 13•Heise Online: Apple challenges EU AI and cybersecurity compliance rules
Apple is accusing the European Commission of legislative overreach with its new AI Act and Cyber Resilience Act, specifically regarding requirements for system operators. The complaint suggests a conflict between these EU regulations and Apple's existing legal frameworks.
May 13•Digital Watch: EU reviews Android rules to open features to third-party AI
The European Commission is reviewing rules related to Android's Digital Markets Act (DMA), specifically consulting on interoperability requirements. The proposals aim to enable third-party AI services to access key Android features and resources.
May 13•9to5mac: Apple pushes back on EU plan to open Android to AI rivals
Apple has filed a submission with the European Commission (EC) to express criticism regarding proposed measures that would mandate Google to open parts of its Android operating system to competing AI services. The filing warns against such a move by the EC.
May 13•MSN: EU opens DMA cloud probes into Microsoft and Amazon
The European Commission has initiated three separate investigations into the cloud computing sectors of Microsoft and Amazon. These inquiries are being conducted under the framework of the Digital Markets Act (DMA).
May 13•pymnts: Apple backs Google against EU AI access mandate
Apple is reportedly opposing the European Union's regulatory measures that would require Google to grant its AI competitors access to its services. This opposition signals a unified stance by major tech companies against certain aspects of EU AI regulation.
May 13•Table.Media: Apple flags EU Android DMA draft as security risk
Apple has raised concerns regarding the EU's proposed Digital Markets Act (DMA) regulations for Android, warning that the draft measures pose risks to security and privacy. The company's criticism comes as new AI applications are being considered in conjunction with the regulations.
May 13•Digital Markets Act (European Commission): EU opens DMA review of cloud computing markets
The European Commission is organizing thematic roundtables to investigate the application of the Digital Markets Act (DMA) to cloud markets. This initiative is part of an ongoing market investigation to assess regulatory implications for cloud computing services.
May 13•mactech.com: Apple echoes Google in fight over EU DMA AI access
Apple has stated its opposition to the European Union's Digital Markets Act (DMA), specifically echoing Google's criticism of efforts to compel the search giant to allow rival AI services access to its platforms. The core of their argument is directed at the EU's antitrust regulators attempting to force the sharing of services with AI competitors.
May 13•Mobile Europe: Italy blocks TIM, Fastweb and Vodafone tower-sharing deal
Italy's regulator has halted a proposed tower sharing agreement between TIM, Fastweb, and Vodafone. The watchdog cited a list of concerns regarding the deal, which had been signed in March.
May 13•Light Reading: NTIA BEAD guidance may slow carriers, aid Starlink
New guidance from the NTIA for its BEAD program, intended to support broadband deployment, is expected to benefit Starlink by potentially delaying traditional carrier projects. According to analyst Blair Levin, while the guidance aims to favor carriers, the resulting delays could inadvertently create opportunities for satellite internet providers.
May 13•Telecompetitor: NTIA orders BEAD subgrantees to report contract deviations
The NTIA has directed subgrantees of the BEAD program to report any state that attempts to modify the mandatory contract language stipulated in the guidance. This ensures consistent application of federal requirements across all BEAD-funded projects.
May 13•exchange4media: India cable lobby pushes TRAI for tighter OTT TV rules
The All India Digital Cable Federation (AIDCF) has called for stricter regulation of internet-based television services in India, citing an "unregulated" boom in the OTT sector. The federation plans to submit a white paper to the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) outlining its concerns and proposed regulatory measures.
May 13•Best Media Info: TRAI opens fight over FAST TV rules in India
India's Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has released a consultation paper on regulating application-based linear television distribution (ALTD), sparking debate between traditional broadcasters and OTT streaming platforms. The consultation addresses issues like discoverability, interoperability, and monetization models for linear television content delivered via IP.
May 13•Adgully: TRAI opens FAST TV rulemaking, raising stakes for India
India's Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) is initiating a consultation process for "Fast TV" services, aiming to establish regulations for internet-delivered linear television channels commonly known as FAST channels. This initiative is expected to create regulatory competition between traditional broadcasters and new-age OTT platforms, particularly concerning content monetization and carriage fees.
May 13•PitchOnNet: India cable industry presses TRAI on OTT TV regulation
The cable television industry has called for stricter oversight of internet-based TV services, asking the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) to implement stricter norms for the growing OTT market. This move highlights concerns within traditional TV sectors regarding the unregulated expansion of online streaming platforms.
May 13•exchange4media: Eenadu TV pushes TRAI to regulate FAST platforms, not broadcasters
Eenadu TV submitted a proposal to the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) advocating for platform-level accountability over "overregulation" of FAST platforms. The submission suggests any new regulatory framework should focus on the platforms themselves rather than imposing duplicative regulations on broadcasters.
May 13•Social Samosa: Jio rejects broadcast rules as Zee backs TRAI for FAST
Jio opposes broadcast-style regulatory obligations for FAST and ALTD services in India, while Zee advocates for platform-neutral regulations. This debate is centered around proposed regulations from TRAI (Telecom Regulatory Authority of India).
May 13•Best Media Info: OEMs, FAST platforms reject TRAI’s DTH-style internet TV rules
OEMs and FAST platforms are resisting attempts by TRAI (Telecom Regulatory Authority of India) to impose "DTH-style" regulations on internet-delivered television. They argue that internet-delivered services fundamentally differ from traditional spectrum-based broadcasting infrastructure and should not be subject to the same oversight.
May 13•medianews4u: TRAI paper splits India’s TV industry over FAST regulation
A consultation paper issued by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has ignited disagreement within the Indian media and telecom ecosystem regarding the future regulation of television. The paper addresses Free Ad-Supported Television (FAST) and Aggregated Linear TV Distribution (ALTD) models, prompting varied industry responses.
May 13•exchange4media: Sony, JioStar reject TRAI plan to regulate FAST
Sony and JioStar are reportedly pushing back against a proposal from the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) to regulate FAST (Free Ad-supported Streaming TV) services under telecom licensing rules. The companies argue that applying telecom regulations to FAST platforms would violate constitutional protections for content providers.
May 13•Northern Tribune: Rogers loses appeal in four-year OneSoccer contract dispute
Rogers Communications lost its appeal in a four-year dispute against Timeless Inc. and OneSoccer, meaning it must continue to meet its obligations as a broadcast distributor. The Superior Court of Justice dismissed Rogers' appeal, upholding the previous decision that found Rogers to be in breach of contract and copyright infringement.
May 13•iGaming Brazil: Anatel speeds up blocks on betting and pirated streaming sites
Brazil's National Telecommunications Agency (Anatel) has accelerated efforts to block illegal betting and pirated streaming websites, following court orders. This action marks an exponential increase in site blockages in an attempt to combat illicit online activities.
May 13•Addleshaw Goddard: ICO’s £14.5 million Reddit fine sharpens UK age-check debate
The article discusses the ongoing debate between the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) and Ofcom regarding which body will take the lead in enforcing age verification for online content in the UK. This follows an ICO fine of nearly £14.5 million to Reddit, Inc. for failing to implement adequate age verification measures.
May 13•Deloitte: Ofcom names large services for Online Safety Act oversight
Ofcom will soon identify the large online service providers falling under its new 'categorised services' regime as part of the Online Safety Act. This designation will determine which companies are subject to specific regulatory obligations under the Act.
May 13•11kbw: Ofcom fines online suicide forum £950,000 for safety breaches
Ofcom has issued a fine of £950,000 to an online suicide forum for non-compliance with its duties under the UK's Online Safety Act 2023. This is based on legal advice provided by Jamie Susskind, Raphael Hogarth, and Rita Dias.
May 13•The Independent: Ofcom fines forum tied to 130-plus UK deaths
Ofcom, the UK regulator, has issued a fine to an online forum for failing to protect its users, citing links to over 130 deaths in Britain. The fine was imposed due to the forum's role in facilitating harmful content.
May 13•Neowin: Ofcom fines suicide forum £950k, opens porn site probes
Ofcom has issued a fine of £950,000 to the operator of a suicide forum for failing to comply with the Online Safety Act (OSA). Concurrently, Ofcom initiated investigations into two pornographic websites under the same Act for potential non-compliance regarding age verification and illegal content.
May 13•Ars Technica: FCC backs AT&T, Starlink spectrum buy over carrier objections
The FCC has approved a deal allowing AT&T and Starlink to purchase spectrum licenses from EchoStar, despite objections from small carriers. This approval follows the FCC chair's prior pressure on EchoStar to sell these licenses.
May 13•Deadline: Former ABC News staff back network amid FCC probe
Over 100 former ABC News journalists have issued an open letter in support of ABC News as it responds to an FCC investigation. The investigation concerns a segment on 'The View' related to former President Trump.
May 13•National Law Review: FCC May update includes new satellite spectrum-sharing rules
This article serves as a monthly update for May 2026, summarizing significant Federal Communications Commission (FCC) actions and filing deadlines. It specifically mentions new satellite spectrum-sharing rules among the topics covered.
May 13•Law360: FCC High Cost Program gets new ISP vetting rules
The Rural Broadband Protection Act, an oversight bill for the FCC's High Cost Program, has been signed into law. This legislation establishes a vetting process for internet service providers participating in the federal program.
May 13•Davis Wright Tremaine LLP: Eighth Circuit strikes down FCC's 2023 digital discrimination rule
The Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals has vacated the FCC's 2023 "Digital Discrimination" rule, which was established under Section 60506 of the IIJA, impacting future broadband regulation.
May 12•IAB Tech Lab: IAB Tech Lab says CTV standards now drive ad execution
IAB Tech Lab discusses the maturation of the Advanced TV ecosystem, highlighting how the distinction between OTT and CTV is no longer just semantic but now drives technical implementations and standardization. The article details how IAB Tech Lab standards like OpenRTB 2.6, VAST 4.3, AdCOM, and the CTV Ad Portfolio are enabling interoperability and consistent measurement, leading to increased efficiency and scalability in CTV advertising. It also touches on advancements in measurement, live streaming, and the overall shift from experimentation to standardized infrastructure.
May 12•Lexxion: EU rejects Czech TV transition subsidy over state-aid rules
The European Commission determined that a Czech measure providing financial compensation to DVB-T2 terrestrial television platform operators transitioning from DVB-T/MPEG-2 to DVB-T2/HEVC standards constituted illegal state aid. The Commission found the aid lacked an incentive effect, conferred an undue advantage, and was selective, benefiting only DTT operators over other competing technologies such as satellite, cable, or IPTV.
May 12•Norton Rose Fulbright: Colorado AI Act enforcement paused after X.AI lawsuit
X.AI LLC filed a lawsuit to stop the enforcement of Colorado's Senate Bill concerning AI, with the Department of Justice intervening in the case. As a result, the enforcement of Colorado's AI Act has been suspended.
May 12•Advanced Television: LPTVBA pushes FCC to recognize 3GPP 5G Broadcast
The LPTV Broadcasters Association (LPTVBA) has formally urged the FCC's Chairman Brendan Carr to recognize the 3GPP 5G Broadcast standard. This action aims to modernize low-power television broadcasting in the United States by integrating advanced broadcast technology.
May 12•law.com: Likeness law is colliding with synthetic media generation
The article discusses the challenges facing the U.S. right of publicity law in the context of advanced AI technologies capable of generating synthetic media. It explores the current limitations of existing legal frameworks to protect individuals' likenesses from unauthorized AI-driven replication and identifies nascent industry and legal responses forming to address these issues. The piece emphasizes the intersection of these legal debates with the streaming video industry's content creation and distribution, particularly regarding generative AI's impact on actors and artists.
May 12•MSN: Google says AI helped power its first large-scale exploit attempt
Google's Threat Intelligence Group (GTIG) has identified what it reports as the first large-scale cyber exploit driven by AI models. The incident involved an attempted operation utilizing AI to develop and execute the exploit, which GTIG successfully disrupted.
May 12•Startup Fortune: RSL Media pushes machine-readable AI consent terms for creators
RSL Media has introduced a new Human Consent Standard that enables creators and public figures to publish machine-readable terms for controlling how AI technologies can use their likeness and work. This initiative provides a structured method for individuals to define consent parameters for AI applications, aiming to establish an industry standard.
May 12•CPI: Apple faces antitrust fight over App Store removal
A Canadian tech firm has initiated global antitrust action against Apple, alleging unfair market practices related to the App Store and iOS ecosystem. This legal challenge follows the removal of the firm's app from the App Store.

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Streaming Regulation, Codec Licensing & Media Policy News