Navigating GDPR, COPPA, and HIPAA Compliances in the Streaming Industry

As streaming platforms continue to grow in popularity, the need for data privacy and legal compliance is more important than ever. Viewers are now watching content from every corner of the world. At the same time, governments are increasing regulations to ensure that personal information is protected.

If you own or manage an online video platform, it is your responsibility to understand and follow important data protection laws. In this blog, we will explain three major laws that impact the streaming industry: GDPR, COPPA, and HIPAA. We will also share insights, trends, and steps you can take to ensure your platform stays compliant in 2025.

GDPR, or the General Data Protection Regulation, is a data privacy law enforced by the European Union (EU). It applies to all businesses and platforms that collect or process personal data of users who live in the EU, even if the business is located outside Europe.

For streaming platforms, this means that if you have viewers from countries like Germany, France, or Italy, GDPR rules will apply to your platform.

GDPR requires platforms to:

• Collect user consent before gathering personal data, such as names, emails, or IP addresses.

• Provide transparency about what data is being collected, how it will be used, and where it will be stored.

• Allow users to control their data, including options to view, edit, or delete their personal information.

• Secure all data with encryption and other safety measures.

• Notify users and regulators within 72 hours if there is a data breach.
  

Let’s consider an example. Suppose your OTT platform allows users in Spain to create accounts and subscribe to a service. You must first ask for their permission before collecting their email addresses. You must also provide them with a privacy policy that clearly explains what data you are collecting and why. If the user wishes to delete their account later, you are legally required to remove their information from your database.

Non-compliance with GDPR can lead to serious consequences. Fines can reach up to €20 million or 4% of your global annual revenue, whichever is higher. This is why many modern platforms are now integrating GDPR features, such as data control dashboards and automated consent management.

COPPA, or the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act, is a U.S. law designed to protect the privacy of children under the age of 13. It applies to websites and streaming platforms that collect data from young children or offer content specifically aimed at them.

If your platform hosts children’s shows, educational cartoons, or learning videos for younger viewers, you must comply with COPPA.

Under COPPA, you are required to:

• Obtain verified parental consent before collecting any personal information from children.

• Clearly explain what data is being collected, and how it will be used.

• Offer parents control over the information collected about their children.

• Avoid unnecessary data collection, especially for advertising or tracking purposes.

For example, let’s say your platform offers a kids' video library with games and chat features. You will need to ask parents for permission before enabling account creation or tracking activity within the app. You must also provide them with access to review or delete any information collected.

Failure to follow COPPA rules can result in fines of up to $43,280 per violation, which can quickly add up if multiple users are affected. Several major companies have already been fined millions for failing to comply with COPPA regulations.

HIPAA, or the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, is a U.S. law that protects the privacy and security of healthcare-related data. If your video streaming platform is used to host health content, such as telemedicine sessions, fitness consultations, or mental health webinars, you may be subject to HIPAA requirements.

HIPAA compliance is especially important for platforms that deal with medical professionals and patients.

To comply with HIPAA, platforms must:

• Encrypt video and audio communications to prevent unauthorized access.

• Authenticate users through secure login systems.

• Limit access to health data only to authorized parties.

• Sign Business Associate Agreements (BAAs) with third-party service providers.

• Maintain secure data storage and backups to prevent loss or exposure.

For example, if a psychiatrist uses your platform to conduct video therapy sessions with a patient, you are responsible for ensuring the video call is encrypted and stored securely. You must also ensure that no third party has access to the content unless authorized.

HIPAA violations can result in civil fines of up to $50,000 per violation and even criminal charges in severe cases. Healthcare-focused platforms must take every step to protect sensitive health data.

As the streaming industry evolves, compliance with privacy laws is no longer optional—it’s expected. Below are some of the major trends observed in 2025:

Privacy-First Design

Platforms are now being built with privacy as a core feature, not an afterthought. This includes tools that automatically manage user consent, mask IP addresses, and allow users to download or delete their data.

International Expansion and Legal Complexity

With global streaming audiences, platforms must now comply with multiple regional laws, not just those in their own country. For example, a single platform might need to follow GDPR for EU users, COPPA for U.S. children, and HIPAA for healthcare-related content.

Rise of AI in Compliance

Artificial intelligence is being used to detect privacy violations automatically, such as identifying when a child appears in content or when health terms are mentioned in a video title or transcript.

Penalty and Fine Growth

The number and size of compliance-related fines have increased significantly in the last five years. In 2024 alone, GDPR fines crossed $1.8 billion, while COPPA and HIPAA fines continued to rise.

Estimated Total Fines by Year (in millions USD):

This upward trend shows that regulators are paying more attention to data security and user privacy. Streaming platforms must act now to avoid fines and protect their user base.

Vodlix is a white-label OTT platform that supports full compliance with global data privacy laws. Whether you're streaming entertainment, educational content, or healthcare services, Vodlix helps you manage your legal responsibilities efficiently.

Features include:

• Built-in GDPR consent popups and data control options

• COPPA-ready age filtering and parental control settings

• HIPAA-compliant video storage and access controls

• Custom legal pages for privacy policies and terms of use

• Data encryption and automated breach notifications

With Vodlix, you don’t need to hire large legal teams or build systems from scratch. You get peace of mind knowing your streaming service meets the highest standards in data protection.

In today’s fast-changing digital world, compliance with privacy laws like GDPR, COPPA, and HIPAA is essential for success. As governments increase oversight and users become more aware of their rights, platforms that ignore compliance risk heavy fines and loss of reputation.

The good news is that you don’t have to do it alone. By choosing a platform like Vodlix, you get access to powerful tools that keep your business safe, legal, and ready to grow.

Take action now—don’t wait for a penalty to realize the importance of compliance.