The British government is considering regulation of video-on-demand services, and it won't likely budge on current product placement rules in place, according to several reports.
"My instincts remain that if we were to relax the ban on product placement we would put at risk the integrity in British programming that underpins its international reputation. But I'm open to hearing other views. If, as some in the industry are saying, this is a crucial step for broadcasters, then the industry must marshal strong arguments and put forward a convincing case," said Culture Secretary Andy Burnham.
Any sort of regulation would not only affect the British programming that's available through a set-top box or a PC, but would also affect non-European satellite channels that can be viewed in the U.K.
"While citizens embrace the opportunities offered by massively increased choice of content, and can watch on demand on TVs, online or phones, it's right that the same standards apply," Burnham reportedly said.
Our question is this: How long before U.S. regulators follow the U.K.'s lead and start regulating YouTube?
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