⚖️ California's new ad sound level law

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California Turns Down the Volume

California Governor Gavin Newsom has signed a new law that bans loud commercials on streaming platforms like Netflix, Hulu, and Prime Video. Starting July 1, 2026, streaming services will be prohibited from airing ads louder than the programs they accompany, closing a loophole that previously exempted digital platforms from TV commercial volume limits. The new rule mirrors the federal CALM Act of 2010, which applied only to traditional television broadcasts.

A Law Inspired by Sleepless Parents

The bill, known as SB 576, was authored by State Senator Tom Umberg after his legislative director complained that blaring ads were waking his newborn daughter. Newsom framed the law as a simple fix to an everyday frustration, saying Californians had made it clear they “don’t want commercials any louder than the shows they’re watching.” The legislation underscores California’s continued role as both the entertainment capital and a testing ground for digital consumer protections.

Why Startups Should Pay Attention

For ad-supported streaming platforms and startups building in media tech, this signals a growing regulatory focus on user experience. Just as privacy laws reshaped data practices, sound and sensory standards may become the next front in consumer regulation. Founders building ad tech or streaming infrastructure should expect similar quality and compliance expectations nationwide—because when California changes the channel, the rest of the industry tends to listen.

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