When technology changes, regulation often must change with it. And the latest edition of Cullen International’s Americas Media Benchmarks paints a comprehensive picture of the ongoing evolution of media regulation across eight jurisdictions in the Americas. On this occasion, these benchmarks also find Brazil at the forefront of media regulation in three areas of importance to the sector:
 

• The latest update to the Accessibility in audiovisual media services benchmark includes details about a disability rights lawsuit in Brazil that could change its regulatory landscape for online streaming services. Namely, the Federal Prosecution Office has petitioned a court to make accessibility measures like audio description, sign language and subtitles mandatory on online streaming services.
   
• The latest version of the Digital terrestrial television (DTT) benchmark continues to monitor innovations in this area. The benchmark shows that adoption of the ATSC 3.0 standard continues to expand across the US. And that it is now likely to also take root in Brazil, where it would replace the current ISDB-T standard.
   
• The new edition of the Fighting online piracy benchmark now refers to draft regulation in Brazil that would establish a notice-and-takedown regime to fight the unauthorised exhibition of audiovisual works online. The Brazilian audiovisual industry regulator, Ancine, would implement these new rules, based on legislation enacted in 2024.

From DTT to videogames and over-the-top TV services to online gambling, Cullen International is keeping its finger on the pulse of media regulation across the Americas region. The America’s Media Benchmarks monitor relevant regulatory developments in Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, Peru, and the US.

For more information on the benchmarks, please click on “Access the full content” - or on “Request Access”, in case you are not subscribed to our Americas Media service.