Have you ever had a TV streaming service like YouTube or Netflix play ads at a higher volume than the content you’re watching? Soon, that practice will be illegal in the state of California. Here are the details.
California passes bill to ban noisy ads from streaming services
The streaming era has brought a lot of great changes to the TV landscape. But it’s come with some drawbacks too.
One annoyance I’ve encountered occasionally is when a streamer plays ads at a louder volume than the content I’m watching.
With linear cable service, that was never a concern. But whether intentional or a simple technical failing, it can happen with streaming services.
But a new SB-576 law passed by California will make the practice illegal starting next year.
Effective July 1, 2026, the bill states:
a video streaming service that serves consumers residing in the state shall not transmit the audio of commercial advertisements louder than the video content the advertisements accompany
This is the sort of practice that ideally wouldn’t require a law. But here we are.
Hopefully this bill leads to wider spread change than impacting just California. Perhaps companies will take it as a sign to be more careful about the volume of ads no matter where their viewers live.
Do you ever encounter extra-loud ads, and which streaming services are the typical offenders? Let us know in the comments.
Best iPhone accessories
AirPods Pro 3
AirTag 4-pack (now only $65, down from $99)
MagSafe Car Mount for iPhone
10-year AirTag battery case 2-pack
100W USB-C fast charging power adapter
Add 9to5Mac to your Google News feed.
FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.
