Authority for Television on Demand

The Authority for Television on Demand (Atvod) is a UK regulator that deals with On Demand Programme Services.

Atvod started as a self-regulatory body with the support and encouragement of the Government, but changes to UK laws in 2009 and 2010 allowed the UK communications regulator, Ofcom, to delegate certain functions to an appropriate regulatory authority.

The communications regulator then delegated certain of its functions and powers in relation to the regulation of On Demand Programme Services to ATVOD by means of a formal designation.

Atvod regulates the market for On Demand Programme Services, seeking to work in partnership with the industry it regulates for the benefit of consumers.

Atvod is responsible, for example, for rules regarding how Internet pornography is controlled (by age etc.).