California Bans Loud Ads on Streaming Services
Starting July 1, California will enforce a law prohibiting streaming services from playing ads louder than the content. Discover how this change could reshape your viewing experience and the industry's response.
New Regulations for Streaming Ads
On July 1, 2026, California will implement a groundbreaking law that bans streaming platforms from airing commercials louder than the content being viewed. This legislation, signed by Governor Gavin Newsom, aims to align streaming services with existing regulations for broadcast and cable TV under the Commercial Advertisement Loudness Mitigation (CALM) Act.
The law raises questions about compliance and implementation. While streaming services like Netflix and Disney have opposed the bill, citing technical challenges, they may need to adapt their ad delivery systems to meet these new standards. Key points include:
- Streaming services must manage ad loudness across various devices.
- The law could extend to other states, starting with Illinois in 2027.
- Viewers have expressed dissatisfaction, with thousands of complaints lodged with the FCC in recent years.