Ofcom warns over Internet regulation

net1

Ofcom has warned it could be forced to seek to regulate the Internet more closely as broadband providers increasingly look to provide video content, blurring the boundaries between their medium and digital television.

The 2003 Communications Act does not extend the media watchdog's remit to the Internet.

Technology site ZDNet said Ofcom communications director Matt Peacock told an event celebrating the 10th anniversary of the London Internet Exchange that the Act "made a clear distinction between TV and the Internet".

"Over time," Peacock said, "that distinction will be washed away".

The rise of broadband communications is creating a new distribution platform for broadcasters. Some in future might seek to use the Internet to bypass the watershed, the convention restricting network broadcasters from airing adult-only content after 9pm.