California Mandates Volume Limits For Streaming Service Advertisements

Gov. Gavin Newsom signed California Senate Bill 576 into law, requiring streaming platforms including Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime and YouTube to maintain consistent audio levels during commercial breaks. The new legislation extends existing FCC rules that have regulated broadcast television and cable since 2010, ensuring advertisements match the average volume of programming content. State Senator Tom Umberg introduced the bill after his legislative aide reported that loud streaming ads were waking his newborn daughter Samantha. “We heard Californians loud and clear,” Newsom stated, “and what’s clear is that they don’t want commercials at a volume any louder than the level at which they were previously enjoying a program.” Umberg said. The law could establish national standards, since many streaming services operate from California. (Story URL)