California Bans Loud Commercials on Netflix, Hulu, and Other Streaming Services
California has passed groundbreaking legislation requiring streaming services to match commercial volumes with content audio levels, extending the 2010 CALM Act to digital platforms. The law takes effect July 1, 2026, addressing a common viewer frustration with jarring ad volume spikes during streaming sessions.
New Law Extends CALM Act to Streaming Platforms
California Governor Gavin Newsom signed Senate Bill 576 into law, requiring streaming services to maintain consistent audio levels between content and advertisements. Starting July 1, 2026, platforms like Netflix, Hulu, and Prime Video must ensure commercial audio doesn't exceed the volume of the accompanying video content. This legislation mirrors the 2010 Commercial Advertisement Loudness Mitigation (CALM) Act that already governs traditional television broadcasters.
Baby-Inspired Legislation Addresses Common Viewer Frustration
The bill originated from a relatable complaint by State Senator Tom Umberg's legislative director, whose newborn daughter was repeatedly woken by loud streaming commercials. This personal anecdote highlights a widespread consumer issue that streaming services had previously escaped through regulatory gaps. The legislation demonstrates how digital platforms must now meet the same audio standards that traditional broadcasters have followed for over a decade.
California's Influence Could Drive National Change
Given California's significant role in entertainment and technology markets, this legislation may pressure streaming platforms to implement volume controls nationwide rather than maintaining separate standards by state. The law requires streaming services operating in California to comply with the same commercial volume regulations that traditional TV broadcasters must follow, potentially creating a unified audio experience across all viewing platforms.