#2026/529UK Regulations on Regulated Electronic Programme Guides and Transition Arrangements 2026
AI-generated summary for informational purposes only. Not legal advice. See the original source for the authoritative text.
This law brings more TV and streaming programme guides into the UK’s regulated broadcasting framework. It covers electronic programme guides that can be accessed through televisions or TV-connected streaming devices, target UK users, and are linked to existing regulated guide providers or accessible through another regulated guide. The practical effect is that some connected-TV and streaming guide services will now be treated like regulated electronic programme guides. Providers may need to prepare for broadcasting licence obligations, although the law also creates a transition period before the licensing requirement applies.
AI-generated summary. May contain errors. Refer to official sources for legal decisions.
Key Changes
- Defines which connected-TV and streaming electronic programme guides fall within the regulated category
- Covers guides targeting UK users that are linked to existing regulated guide providers or accessible through regulated guides
- Creates transitional arrangements before affected providers must hold the relevant broadcasting licence
Obligations
What this law requires
Providers of electronic programme guides that can be accessed through a television or a TV-connected streaming device, target UK users, and meet the ownership/access conditions in regulation 2 must treat those guides as regulated electronic programme guides under section 211A of the Communications Act 2003 from the point the Regulations apply.
A provider must assess whether its electronic programme guide targets United Kingdom users, meaning users located in the United Kingdom, when determining whether the guide falls within the regulated electronic programme guide framework.
A provider must assess whether its electronic programme guide is provided by an existing regulated electronic programme guide provider, by an associated body corporate controlled by the same person, or is accessible through another regulated electronic programme guide, because those conditions can bring the guide within regulation 2.