USA
Governor Newsom Turns Down the Volume on Loud Commercials: Californians can finally say goodbye to the sudden blasts of loud commercials that interrupt their favorite shows. In a significant step toward consumer protection and viewer comfort, Governor Gavin Newsom has officially signed Senate Bill 576 (SB 576), authored by Senator Thomas Umberg (D-Santa Ana), to ensure that commercials on streaming platforms no longer exceed the volume of regular programming.
The new legislation builds upon the Commercial Advertisement Loudness Mitigation (CALM) Act, passed by Congress in 2010, which mandated consistent audio levels for commercials on broadcast television and cable networks. However, as streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, and YouTube surged in popularity, viewers found themselves subjected once again to jarring, high-volume ads — a loophole in the original federal law.
With the signing of SB 576, California becomes the first state in the nation to extend these volume regulations to streaming and digital platforms, reflecting how viewing habits have evolved in the last decade.
Governor Newsom emphasized the importance of adapting consumer protections to the modern era:
“We heard Californians loud and clear — and what’s clear is that they don’t want commercials blaring louder than the shows they’re watching. By signing SB 576, California is once again leading the way in creating a better digital experience for everyone.”
Senator Umberg, who championed the bill, highlighted how the issue affects everyday life:
“This bill was inspired by baby Samantha and every exhausted parent who finally gets their baby to sleep, only to have a loud ad undo all that effort. SB 576 brings some much-needed peace and quiet to California households and ensures streaming services meet the same standards as traditional broadcasters.”
The California Department of Technology (CDT) and the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) will collaborate to develop enforcement mechanisms, ensuring that streaming platforms comply with the new sound-level requirements. Violations could lead to fines or regulatory action, especially for platforms that repeatedly exceed volume thresholds.
This new law represents a broader push by California to modernize digital consumer rights, from data privacy and AI transparency to streaming service accountability. As viewers increasingly migrate to online platforms, policymakers are working to ensure that the digital ecosystem remains fair, transparent, and user-friendly.
Industry experts believe this move could inspire national reforms, encouraging the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to revisit and expand the original CALM Act.
SB 576 will take effect on January 1, 2026, giving streaming companies time to update their audio systems and ensure consistent volume across all advertisements and programs.
With this new measure, California once again proves why it is at the forefront of consumer protection, digital regulation, and quality of life legislation.
