Panel SA: Bill wants to force streaming to use audio description in movies

Senator Mara Gabrilli (PSDB-SP) presented a bill last week to oblige streaming and video platforms to expand accessibility in their content.

The text provides for amending the law on inclusion of people with disabilities in force in Brazil, from 2015, which only obliges sound and image broadcasting services, such as television, to offer accessibility features to users.

Among the changes would be the offer of audio description in the content, which translates images into words for people who are blind or have low vision.

According to the project, the new rule would affect platforms that act professionally and with economic purpose, such as Netflix, Amazon Prime Video and YouTube, and which have gained relevance in recent years, according to Gabrilli’s justification.

Asked by Panel SA whether it supports the change, Netflix says it is committed to evaluating innovations and working with communities of people with disabilities and policymakers to deliver more inclusive and accessible entertainment.

“We are constantly expanding our catalog of titles with subtitles for deaf and hard of hearing subscribers and audio description for the blind and visually impaired. We also offer features such as assistive listening systems, brightness controls, keyboard shortcuts, screen readers and voice commands. “, says Netflix.

YouTube says it does not have a review of the bill at this time. According to the video platform, the goal is to encourage the creation of accessible content.

“Subtitles are already a reality on the platform and we work to see continuous improvements apply to this feature on TV, game console or YouTube-compatible media device. Creators can also enable automatic subtitles for any live stream,” he says. the platform.

Amazon Prime Video and HBO Max were also contacted by the column, but did not respond.

Joana Cunha with Andressa Motter and Ana Paula Branco