California has taken a major step to protect viewers’ comfort by passing a loud commercials ban that targets streaming platforms. Governor Gavin Newsom has officially signed Senate Bill 576 (SB 576), which prevents streaming services from playing commercials louder than the shows or movies people are watching.
New California Law Targets Loud Streaming Ads
This new loud commercials ban was introduced after thousands of Californians complained about the sudden spike in sound whenever advertisements appeared. Many viewers said they were startled when quiet scenes were suddenly interrupted by booming ads. The law ensures that streaming companies must now keep the sound of their commercials consistent with the volume of the content they accompany.
Governor Newsom stated that the decision came after hearing directly from the public. “We heard Californians loud and clear,” he said, explaining that residents simply want commercials that don’t disrupt their viewing time. The loud commercials ban will help make watching streaming shows smoother and more enjoyable for everyone.
The rule will apply to streaming platforms operating in California, including ad-supported services like Netflix, Hulu, YouTube, Disney+, and others. These companies will now have to measure and regulate the loudness of their advertisements to meet the standards of this loud commercials ban.
How SB 576 Expands Federal Noise Restrictions
While the loud commercials ban may seem new, it builds on an older federal law known as the Commercial Advertisement Loudness Mitigation Act (CALM Act), passed in 2010. That federal rule already prohibited television stations and cable operators from airing advertisements louder than the shows they accompany.
However, streaming platforms were not covered under that federal law. As more people started using streaming services, they began noticing that ads were much louder compared to regular content. Because these companies were not bound by the CALM Act, they could play commercials at higher volumes.
The California legislature decided to close this gap with SB 576. By applying the loud commercials ban to streaming services, California ensures that modern entertainment platforms must now follow the same standards that traditional broadcasters have been observing for years.
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Senator Thomas Umberg, who co-sponsored the bill, said the loud commercials ban was inspired by everyday frustrations. He shared a relatable example of parents who finally manage to put their babies to sleep, only to have a loud streaming commercial wake them up. “This bill was inspired by baby Samantha and every exhausted parent who’s finally gotten a baby to sleep, only to have a blaring streaming ad undo all that hard work,” Umberg said in his statement.
His example shows how something as simple as controlling sound levels can have a big impact on daily life. Many families, senior citizens, and even students studying at home have found loud streaming ads disruptive. With the loud commercials ban, such disturbances can now be reduced significantly.
Widespread Support and Zero Opposition
The loud commercials ban passed through the California legislature with no opposition. Lawmakers from all sides agreed that the bill addressed a clear and growing problem affecting millions of viewers. It demonstrates how technology-related issues can be solved with simple but meaningful regulations.
Streaming services have increasingly added advertisements to their business models, especially after launching cheaper, ad-supported subscription plans. This trend has brought back commercials that many thought were gone with cable TV. However, without proper regulations, these ads often played at high volume levels. The loud commercials ban now ensures that viewers will not have to deal with those sudden bursts of sound anymore.
The law focuses on protecting the viewer’s experience rather than limiting advertising. It does not stop platforms from running ads — it simply ensures that those ads are not louder than the content being streamed. By setting this rule, California becomes the first state to bring the loud commercials ban into the streaming world, balancing consumer comfort with industry needs.
Consumer groups have welcomed the move, saying that the loud commercials ban protects not just comfort but also hearing health. Constant exposure to sudden high-volume advertisements can be stressful and unhealthy, especially for children and elderly people. The new rule allows them to enjoy entertainment without fear of unexpected noise jolts.
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Enforcement will likely work through monitoring systems and consumer complaints. If viewers notice that a commercial is significantly louder than a show or movie, they can report it to regulators for investigation. This process will ensure that streaming companies maintain consistent sound levels.
By signing SB 576, Governor Newsom and California lawmakers have set a clear example of adapting consumer protection laws to the digital age. The loud commercials ban now extends the same peace and comfort enjoyed by television viewers to those who prefer streaming platforms. For Californians, this means a quieter, more relaxing entertainment experience — one where favorite shows can be enjoyed without sudden, blaring interruptions.
