Sick of loud ads on Netflix? A proposed California law would turn down the volume

A California bill targeting loud advertisements on streaming platforms is making significant progress in the state Legislature. Proposed by Senator Tom Umberg, the bill seeks to enforce volume limits on streaming ads, similar to those established by the CALM Act for traditional television. The bill has received unanimous support from senators present during its recent floor vote, reflecting widespread annoyance among lawmakers regarding loud commercials. However, the entertainment industry, including the Motion Picture Association, has expressed concerns about the bill's feasibility for streaming services. The idea for the legislation arose from a personal story involving a baby whose sleep was disrupted by an excessively loud ad.

Legal experts indicate that California has the authority to implement such consumer protections despite opposition from out-of-state providers. If enacted, this legislation could set a precedent for regulating advertisement volume across various media formats. The ongoing discussion emphasizes the growing need for consumer-friendly regulations in the digital age.