SB-576 restricts streaming services from playing commercials at a louder volume than the original programming. The FCC is considering whether to do the same nationwide.
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As more streaming services introduce ad-supported subscriptions, many viewers are experiencing ads playing at a far louder volume than the original programming. That’s set to change for those in California thanks to a new law that will go into effect on July 1, 2026.
SB-576, signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom on Monday, requires streaming services such as Disney+ and Netflix to ensure that ad volume is the same as the content being streamed.
« We heard Californians loud and clear, and what’s clear is that they don’t want commercials at a volume any louder than the level at which they were previously enjoying a program », Newsom says.
