Ofcom regulates editorial content (programming) on UK 'video-on-demand' services. Previously our co-regulator, the Authority for Television on Demand (ATVOD), led on this.
Video-on-demand services include TV catch-up and online film services. The platform on which these on-demand services are delivered does not matter, so services on connected TVs, apps on mobile phones and programmes you view through set-top boxes may all be regulated.
The way Ofcom regulates BBC iPlayer is different to other video-on-demand services. Complain about something you have seen on BBC iPlayer
We have made available a list of the video on demand programme services (PDF, 491.7 KB) that we regulate. Ofcom does not regulate radio on demand services.
Regulated on demand programme services must ensure that:
If you have a complaint about editorial content (i.e. programming) on a regulated video-on-demand programme service, please contact the on-demand service provider. We have made available a list of these and how to contact them (PDF, 491.7 KB). If you are dissatisfied with the response you receive, or if you can't find the video-on-demand service provider on the list, you can complain to Ofcom using our on demand programme service complaint form.
There are also rules about what advertising you can see when you view a video-on-demand programme. This kind of advertising:
If you have a complaint about an advert on a regulated video-on-demand service, please complain to the Advertising Standards Authority using its online complaints form or by calling 020 7492 2222.
As well as rules about the programmes and advertising that service providers show, there are rules (PDF, 209.2 KB) about how the service providers should operate.