We’ve all been “victims” of this old tactic from marketers in mainstream audiovisual broadcasting, aimed at making sure you get their information about products and services, even if you’re not paying attention. And that is, loud ads that pump the volume above the decibel level at which the user was watching their series, TV show, or movie.
California’s SB 576 aims to ensure a more comfortable and consistent viewing experience for users. The law responds to growing consumer complaints about excessively loud ads on streaming platforms such as Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime, which disrupted the viewing experience, Cal Matters explains
The legislation expands the 2010 CALM Act, originally applied to traditional television, to include streaming services as well. Essentially, it mandates that ads cannot exceed the volume of the main content being viewed.
According to the bill, current federal law mandates that the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) establish rules ensuring that commercials match the average volume of the programs they accompany. This regulation will come into effect on July 1, 2026.