Ofcom makes key change to pin protection shows during daytime

Ofcom has today published a statement setting out its decision to make changes to the rules about the use of mandatory PIN codes in Section One of the Broadcasting Code.

As of 1st January 2019, broadcasters will able to air programmes and films, which up until now could only be shown after the 21:00 watershed but only if mandatory daytime protection is in place. Ofcom considers mandatory daytime protection to complement the existing 21:00 watershed in providing a strong level of protection for children against programmes on broadcast services which might be unsuitable for them.

The current Ofcom rules allow for 15-rated films to be broadcast during the daytime on subscription film channels and up to 18-rated films on pay per view film channels, provided a mandatory PIN is in place. Mandatory PIN protection cannot be removed by the user and restricts access solely to those authorised to view.