# Government plans 'YouTube tax' on streaming services

> The government is set to extend the TV licence fee to streaming platforms like YouTube, Netflix and Amazon Prime Video to capture revenue from viewers avoiding traditional payments.
- Title: Government plans 'YouTube tax' on streaming services
- Summary: The government is set to extend the TV licence fee to streaming platforms like YouTube, Netflix and Amazon Prime Video to capture revenue from viewers…
- Keywords: bbc, licence fee, youtube tax, streaming services, netflix, amazon prime video, uk government, media policy, politics, news, Government, plans
- Source: The Independent — https://independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/youtube-tax-licence-fee-bbc-b3067909.html
- Published: 2026-10-16T09:29:30+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: bbc, licence fee, youtube tax, streaming services, netflix, amazon prime video, uk government, media policy, politics, news
## Government extends licence fee to streaming
The government plans to expand the TV licence fee to cover streaming platforms including YouTube, Netflix and Amazon Prime Video, according to a senior Whitehall source.
## Why the change is needed
A senior Whitehall source said the move aims to prevent people avoiding the licence fee by watching content on the internet via phones, tablets or computers.

> It's not fair that people are essentially able to watch television content but avoid the licence fee.
## Why it's called the YouTube tax
YouTube is by far the biggest online video platform in the UK, with around fifty five million users and seventy nine percent penetration in the British market.
## Current licence fee rules
You need a TV licence to watch or record live TV on any channel or watch live on streaming services.You do not need one if you exclusively watch on-demand content on Netflix or Apple TV.
## The BBC's revenue problem
The BBC says ninety four percent of households use its services but only eighty percent pay.
## Committee says model is outdated
The Digital, Culture, Media And Sport Committee recommended the BBC extend the licence fee to cover services beyond TV and said the current model was outdated and no longer fit for purpose.
## How the YouTube tax would work
Under the proposal, those using streaming services to watch content would have to pay for a television licence, even if watching on-demand films or series not live broadcasts.
## Impact and next steps
An extra three to four million households would have to pay the licence fee if extended this way. A white paper on BBC charter renewal will be published before Christmas.
## Key takeaway

The government plans to extend the TV licence fee to streaming services to prevent people avoiding payment by watching content online, with a white paper due before Christmas.