Twitch streamers and YouTubers in Germany may have to apply for a broadcast license to continue making videos following a ruling from the country's broadcasting authority.
As reported by VG247, the Landesmedienanstalt has ruled that YouTube videos and Twitch streams legally count as broadcasts. They therefore must follow the same regulations as TV and radio broadcasts in the country.
This means applying for a broadcast license, which can cost anywhere between €1,000 and €10,000 depending on audience size and other factors.
Cracking down
It also brings into question how much "adult content" can be shown on the videos, given German broadcasting regulations stipulate that such content cannot be aired before 10pm.
German YouTuber PietSmiet is one of the first YouTubers to be hit by the regulations. He has been instructed to acquire a broadcasting license by April 30th 2017 or he will unable to continue uploading videos.
As streaming becomes more and more popular, different countries are taking different actions towards these platforms. China, for example, banned the streaming of any games not approved by the SAPPRFT in December 2016.