California has implemented a new law that prohibits loud advertisements on popular streaming platforms such as Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, Netflix, and YouTube. This law, introduced by California State Senator Tom Umberg as Bill 576, was inspired by a complaint from one of his staff members who was disturbed by the loud volume of streaming ads while trying to put his newborn to sleep. Governor Gavin Newsom signed this legislation into law, which will come into effect on July 1, 2026.
The new law mandates that advertisements on streaming platforms must be aired at the same volume as the content being streamed. This means that advertisers will no longer be able to increase the volume of their ads during commercial breaks, providing a more consistent viewing experience for users. Umberg, in a statement, expressed that this law was designed to address the frustration of exhausted parents who have finally managed to get their babies to sleep, only to be startled awake by a loud ad.
Modeled after the Commercial Advertisement Loudness Mitigation (CALM) Act, which regulates ad volume for TV broadcasters at the federal level, California’s new law has the potential to set a national standard due to the state’s influence in the entertainment industry. Governor Newsom highlighted that this legislation will bring consistency to ad volume regulation, particularly on streaming platforms that were not previously covered by the regulations established by Congress in 2010.
By signing SB 576 into law, California aims to reduce the inconvenience caused by excessively loud ads on streaming platforms, ultimately enhancing the viewing experience for users. With this new regulation in place, viewers can look forward to a more enjoyable and uninterrupted streaming experience without sudden spikes in volume during commercial breaks.