Bill would limit loud ads on Pennsylvania streaming services

A video streaming service may not make an ad louder than the video program that accompanies it. This applies to online platforms whose main purpose is to deliver video programming directly to consumers over the Internet, if they transmit ads. It excludes broadcasters, cable and other multichannel distributors, ad-free services, and websites or apps whose main purpose is not video programming. After investigating a consumer complaint, the Attorney General may seek a civil penalty of up to $5,000 for each violation and other relief. The civil penalty is the sole penalty under this section, and the section does not create a private right to sue. The act would take effect one year after enactment.

A video streaming service shall take reasonable measures to keep an embedded ad from being louder than its accompanying program. This applies to covered online video services that pass through ads placed in programming by third parties. An embedded ad is one placed into a program by a third party and passed through by the service. A service may show it complied by providing evidence that it took reasonable steps, required the third party to comply, and did not cause the ad to be louder. The section does not apply to certain Internet access services or systems, or services or systems run by libraries or educational institutions. The act would take effect one year after enactment.