California Bans Loud Ads on Netflix and YouTube
▼ Summary
– California has mandated that streaming services like Netflix and Hulu must air advertisements at the same volume as their content starting July 2026.
– The law, signed by Governor Gavin Newsom, addresses complaints about loud commercial breaks disrupting viewers during streaming.
– Bill 576 was introduced by state senator Tom Umberg after a staffer’s experience with ads disturbing their newborn’s sleep.
– The legislation is based on the federal CALM Act for TV broadcasters but extends similar volume restrictions to streaming platforms.
– This law could set a national standard due to California’s significant influence in the US entertainment industry.
California has officially mandated that streaming platforms like Netflix, Hulu, Prime Video, and YouTube must maintain consistent audio levels between their regular programming and advertisements. Governor Gavin Newsom signed the new legislation, which takes effect in July 2026, requiring ads to be broadcast at the same volume as the shows or movies viewers are watching. This move addresses a common frustration among audiences who have long complained about jarringly loud commercials interrupting their viewing experience.
The legislation, known as Bill 576, was introduced earlier this year by State Senator Tom Umberg. His inspiration came from a personal story shared by a staff member, whose newborn’s sleep was repeatedly disrupted by blaring ads on streaming services. Umberg emphasized that the law is a response to the struggles of countless parents who work hard to settle their children, only to have their efforts undone by a sudden spike in volume.
This state-level rule mirrors the federal Commercial Advertisement Loudness Mitigation (CALM) Act, which already governs traditional television broadcasters but left streaming services unregulated. Given California’s prominent role in shaping entertainment standards nationwide, this law could very well influence broader adoption across the United States.
In his remarks, Governor Newsom acknowledged the widespread public demand for quieter commercials. “Californians have spoken, and they do not want advertisements that are louder than the programs they are enjoying,” he stated. By enacting SB 576, California is extending existing commercial volume rules, originally passed by Congress in 2010, to cover streaming platforms, ensuring a more uniform and pleasant audio experience for all users.
(Source: The Verge)