California Bans Loud Streaming Ads — SB 576 Signed, Effective July 1, 2026
Governor Gavin Newsom has signed SB 576, a new California law that prohibits streaming platforms from transmitting commercial audio louder than the video content the ads accompany. The law takes effect on July 1, 2026, aligning streaming services with the federal Commercial Advertisement Loudness Mitigation (CALM) Act that already applied to broadcast TV.
Why it matters: Many viewers have been unexpectedly startled by abruptly loud ads while watching streaming shows. The bill’s author, State Senator Tom Umberg, said the law was inspired by “every exhausted parent who’s finally gotten a baby to sleep, only to have a blaring streaming ad undo all that hard work.”
Key points
- Law: SB 576 (signed by Gov. Newsom)
- Effective date: July 1, 2026
- Requirement: Streaming ads cannot be louder than the program audio they accompany
- Background: Extends the protections of the CALM Act (which covered TV broadcasts) to streaming platforms
Official sources
- Governor’s announcement: No more loud commercials — Gov. Newsom signs SB 576
- Full bill text (California Legislature): California Legislative Information (search for SB 576)
California’s large media market often sets de facto industry standards. With this law, other states — and streaming services themselves — may follow. Have you been woken up by a loud streaming ad? Share your story in the comments below.
Originally reported by multiple outlets; official source linked above.