Disney+ UK To Be Regulated By Ofcom: How Does That Affect What You Watch?

Disney+ in the UK is about to undergo a quiet but significant change as the government has confirmed that major streaming services will be regulated by Ofcom, the same body that regulates shows on the BBC, ITV and other traditional TV channels.

This change isn't about banning shows or suddenly turning Disney+ into the BBC or ITV, although Disney+ are streaming two Hulu Dramas on ITV. Changes are more practical than that and centre on consumer regulations including:

• new content standards,

• a formal complaints route to Ofcom,

• minimum accessibility targets (subtitles, audio description and signing) for the biggest services.

What's changing for Disney+ viewers in the UK?

There are a few key changes that will affect Disney+:

1) Disney+ will be treated as a "Tier 1" streaming service

Under the Media Act 2024, the government can designate the biggest video-on-demand platforms as "Tier 1" services, and it plans to do that for services with more than 500,000 UK users. This means Disney+ will likely fall under the Tier 1 category as it is in the top 3 streaming services in the UK, with well over 7 million subscribers according to Statista.

The government will designate which streaming providers fall under Tier 1 on 1st April 2026.

Once designated, Disney+ would need to follow new Ofcom codes that mirror key parts of broadcast TV regulation.

2) A new standards code will apply (similar to broadcast rules)

The standards code is expected to cover things like:

• Protecting audiences from harmful or offensive content

• Privacy and fairness

• Due impartiality and accuracy in news (where relevant)

3) Ofcom will be able to investigate complaints about Disney+ content

For most Disney+ subscribers, the news part is unlikely to feel front-and-centre as Disney+ isn't a rolling news service. But the broader standards around harm, offence, fairness and privacy are the bigger day-to-day headline that will have an impact,

This is the biggest shift for Disney+ subscribers. Viewers of Disney+ shows will be able to complain to Ofcom if they believe a Tier 1 streamer has breached the code of standards. Ofcom will have powers to investigate and take action.

4) Accessibility minimums are coming (subtitles, audio description, signing)

A new accessibility code sets minimum expectations for Tier 1 services, including:

• 80% of the total catalogue subtitled

• 10% audio-described

• 5% signed

The government also says services will have four years to meet these accessibility requirements, with interim targets after two years - though it expects some platforms to reach them sooner.

Why is this happening?

The UK government recognises that people do not watch TV in the same way as they did a decade ago. Data collected by Ofcom’s 2025 Media Nations report showed that 85% of people in the UK subscribe to at least one of the following streaming, video-on-demand, platforms:

• Netflix

• Disney+

• Amazon Prime Video

The government want people to have the peace of mind that the TV they watch will be suitable whether it is through traditional channels or streaming services. The three big streaming services in the UK will be regulated.

Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport Lisa Nandy said:

Will anything change on Disney+ straight away?

Not instantly. The government says services will have four years to meet accessibility requirements, with interim targets after two years, though it expects some platforms to reach them sooner.

The government's outline follows this process:

• Services get designated as "Tier 1".

• Ofcom consults on, drafts, and publishes the standards and accessibility codes.

• The standards code comes into effect one year after Ofcom publishes it.

Do not expect any sudden overnight changes, or anything noticeable for at least 12 months.

Is Disney+ going to remove shows or censor content in the UK?

There's nothing in the announcement that says Disney+ must remove specific titles. What it does mean is that the rules around harmful/offensive material and audience protection will be overseen in a broadcast-style way, with a clear regulator and enforcement route if codes are breached.

In practice, this is more likely to affect:

• how content is labelled

• how complaints are handled

• how protections (especially for children) are demonstrated

This is rather than triggering mass removals.

Will Disney+ prices go up because of this?

The government and Ofcom updates focus on standards, enforcement, and accessibility, not subscription pricing.

Accessibility improvements can involve cost, but there's no direct statement that subscriptions will rise because of these rules.

Does this change parental controls or kids' profiles on Disney+?

No specific new parental-control requirement was announced, but the policy goal is clearer protection for children and vulnerable audiences across major streamers.

That tends to push platforms toward stronger, clearer safety systems over time including ratings, profiles, PIN controls, and maturity settings.

Do I need to make any changes?

This is a regulatory rollout, not a subscriber action item.

If accessibility matters in your household, keep an eye on subtitle/audio description availability improving over time as platforms work toward targets.

If you're the kind of person who likes to follow the detail: Ofcom has flagged upcoming consultations and a 2026 roadmap for Media Act implementation work.

Magic In A Minute

Disney+ in the UK is going to be regulated by Ofcom, just like ITV and the BBC. This means there will be clearer standards, formal Ofcom oversight, a complaints route, and minimum accessibility targets, but it’s not happening overnight and will take around a year.

FAQs

Can I complain to Ofcom about something I see on Disney+?

The government's announcement says audiences will be able to complain to Ofcom if they see something concerning on a Tier 1 platform, and Ofcom can investigate potential breaches.

What kind of fines could Disney+ face?

For video-on-demand services, the maximum fine per breach of a rule is stated as £250,000 or 5% of qualifying revenue, (whichever is higher, depending on how it applies).