Video On Demand services

Video on Demand (VOD) services are not subject to Ofcom’s Broadcasting Code.

Since 19 December 2009, under the European AVMS (Audio Visual Media Service) Directive, UK-based TV-like VOD services have to abide by a set of minimum standards. These include:

• VOD content must not contain any incitement to hatred based on race, sex, religion or nationality;
• VOD service providers must ensure that material which might seriously impair the physical, mental or moral development of under eighteens must be made available in a way which secures that under eighteens will not normally see or hear it;
• sponsored VOD programmes and services must comply with applicable sponsorship requirements;
• VOD content must comply with applicable requirements on product placement;
• VOD advertising must be readily recognisable and cannot contain any surreptitious advertising or use subliminal advertising techniques;
• VOD advertising must not encourage behaviour that is prejudicial to the health or safety of people; and
• tobacco products, prescription-only medicines or medical treatments cannot be advertised on VOD services.

Ofcom has formally designated the Authority for Television On Demand (ATVOD) as the co-regulator for editorial content, and the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) as the co-regulator for advertising content. Links to the formal designations can be found at: http://stakeholders.ofcom.org.uk/broadcasting/tv/video-on-demand/

If you have a complaints about editorial content (i.e. programming) on regulated VOD services please complete the online form on the ATVOD website at: http://www.atvod.co.uk/complaints/submit-a-complaint

If you have complaints about adverts on regulated VOD services please complete the online form on the ASA website at: http://www.asa.org.uk/Complaints-and-ASA-action/How-to-complain/Online-Form.aspx

Further information on Video on Demand services

ParentPort: Working together for media standards