California Bans Loud Commercials on Netflix, Hulu, and Streaming Platforms
California has enacted legislation to regulate loud advertisements on popular streaming platforms, including Netflix, Hulu, and Prime Video. Governor Gavin Newsom signed the law, which will take effect on July 1, 2026. Under this new law, commercials must match the audio levels of the content being streamed.
Details of the New Legislation
The new law, known as Senate Bill 576, mandates that streaming services cannot transmit the audio of commercial advertisements at a volume exceeding that of the program being viewed. This requirement aims to address complaints from consumers who find loud commercials disruptive to their viewing experience.
Governor’s Statement
Governor Newsom emphasized the importance of this legislation, stating, “We heard Californians loud and clear. They don’t want commercials at a volume any louder than the shows they enjoy.” He highlighted that this law would alleviate an annoyance that many viewers have faced.
Background of the Legislation
The bill is modeled after the Commercial Advertisement Loudness Mitigation (CALM) Act of 2010, which prohibits TV commercials from being louder than the programming they accompany. With this new regulation, streaming platforms in California will now be subject to similar standards.
Inspiration Behind the Bill
- The bill was authored by State Senator Tom Umberg.
- The inspiration stemmed from a complaint by Umberg’s legislative director, Zach Keller, regarding the volume of streaming ads disturbing his newborn’s sleep.
- Senator Umberg expressed that “this bill was inspired by baby Samantha and every exhausted parent who’s finally gotten a baby to sleep.”
Possible Nationwide Impact
Due to California’s significant role in the entertainment industry, this new regulation may encourage streaming services to adopt similar volume controls across the country. As the conversation about viewer comfort continues, this law could set a precedent for other states.
As the deadline approaches, streaming platforms will need to prepare for compliance with the new audio regulations. This change aims to improve the viewing experience for millions of Californians and may signal a shift in how commercials are handled in the digital age.
