Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what discussions she has had with Ofcom on recognising sign-presented British Sign Language content as distinct from sign-translated British Sign Language content within the Video-on-Demand Accessibility Code.

The Department has regular discussions with Ofcom and accessibility representatives on the provision of sign-presented and sign-translated British Sign Language. The Media Act 2024 introduced new requirements for mainstream video-on-demand services to be made accessible to disabled people, including provision of signing. It is a matter for Ofcom, the independent regulator, to consult on, and publish a Code (the ‘Tier 1 Accessibility Code’) setting out these requirements and giving guidance.