California Cracks Down on Blaring Ads: New Law Takes Effect July 1

In a move that's music to the ears of streaming subscribers, California is set to become the first state to outlaw excessively loud ads on streaming platforms. As of July 1, streaming services will be prohibited from playing ads at a volume louder than the content being watched, thanks to a bill signed into law by Governor Gavin Newsom last October. This new regulation brings streaming services in line with traditional broadcast, cable, and satellite TV providers, which are already subject to the Commercial Advertisement Loudness Mitigation Act. This federal law requires commercials to be played at the same average volume as the programs they accompany. While it's unclear how streaming services plan to comply with the new law, it's likely that many will choose to apply the volume adjustments across the board, rather than just in California. In fact, Illinois has already passed a similar law, which will take effect in 2027. As the streaming industry continues to evolve, it's possible that other states will follow suit, bringing an end to the annoyingly loud ads that have become a frustrating aspect of the viewing experience. For now, Californians can look forward to a more pleasant streaming experience, free from jarring volume spikes.