Ofcom consults on which voice-activated devices to include in new radio legislation

Ofcom has launched a consultation to gather feedback on which voice-controlled devices should be included in legislation surrounding radio streams.

The regulator says it wants to know which radio selection services (RSS) should be designated under the Media Act 2024, which aims to ensure the continued availability of UK radio services on connected audio devices, such as smart speakers and in-car entertainment systems.

The Secretary of State requires a report on the subject, about which radio selection services should be designated under Part 6 of the Media Act.

This isn’t just about making sure Amazon and Google continue to provide radio via their respective smart speakers, but also includes services on mobile phones and in cars such as Siri and Bixby.

Ofcom says: “Our proposed approach to our assessment in our report includes using a threshold to determine if a level of use of a radio selection service is significant. Our report must include consideration of the number of members of the public using a service; the manner in which a service is used; whether the level of use is significant; and any other matters we think affect these.

“We welcome responses to our consultation by 18 March 2025 and, subject to any feedback received, we will publish a Statement setting out the final principles and methods that we will apply in preparing our report.”

See more here.