Redakcja Choose TV
The television market is entering a new phase of conflict. The largest broadcasters in Europe are calling on the European Union to implement stricter regulations for Smart TVs and technology platforms. It's about who really controls what we watch.
Smart TV as the new "gatekeepers" of access
Organisations representing broadcasters claim that it is no longer TV stations or streaming platforms that dominate the market. Increasing control is being wielded by operating systems in TVs and set-top boxes. They are the ones determining which apps we see, what is promoted, and how easily we can find certain content. This is why the industry wants these platforms to be recognised as so-called gatekeepers and subjected to the regulations of the Digital Markets Act.
The data shows a clear trend. Systems like Google TV, Amazon Fire TV, and Samsung Tizen are systematically increasing their market shares. In practice, this means that a few tech companies are beginning to control access to viewers on a pan-European scale. This is a significant change from the past, where the market was more fragmented and reliant on local operators.
Regulations to also cover AI assistants
Interestingly, the proposals do not stop at televisions. Broadcasters want the regulations to also cover voice assistants like Alexa, Siri, or Google solutions. The reason is simple: they are increasingly responsible for content searches and can influence what the user sees first.
Traditional television is beginning to openly battle with Big Tech. The stake is control over content distribution and access to viewers. If the EU decides to implement regulations, it could significantly change the way Smart TVs operate and the entire media market.
Source: flatpanelshd.com
