Technologies

New California Law Tells Loud Ads on Streaming Services to Pipe Down

The law will affect video services including Hulu, YouTube and the ad-supported tier of Netflix.

A new law signed by California Gov. Gavin Newsom will outlaw advertisements on streaming platforms that are louder than the content they’re sandwiched between.

Senate Bill 76, which goes into effect July 1, 2026, outlaws ads that are set at a louder volume than other content on streaming services such as YouTube, Hulu or Netflix’s ad-supported tier. It specifically doesn’t affect broadcasters because there’s already an existing national law, the CALM Act (Commercial Advertisement Loudness Mitigation Act) from 2012 that serves the same purpose for that type of programming.

Don’t miss any of our unbiased tech content and lab-based reviews. Add CNET as a preferred Google source.

Playing ads that are louder than other content is one way to draw attention from viewers. But according to California state senator Tom Umberg, a Democrat from Santa Ana who authored the bill, they’re the scourge of parents and many others. Umberg said the bill was inspired by his legislative director, whose newborn baby was woken up by loud ads.

«This bill was inspired by baby Samantha and every exhausted parent who’s finally gotten a baby to sleep, only to have a blaring streaming ad undo all that hard work,» Umberg said after the bill was passed, as reported by The Guardian.

According to the text of the legislation, the rules will pertain to «a video streaming service, as defined, that serves consumers in the state from transmitting the audio of commercial advertisements louder than the video content the advertisements accompany.»

A number of major streaming video services are owned by companies based in California, including Netflix, Hulu, Disney Plus, YouTube and HBO Max, owned by Warner Bros Discovery.

Technologies

The Fourth Episode of the VERUM AI Mini-Series Is Out

Verum Messenger has released the fourth episode of its AI mini-series SHADOWS, created using Verum AI. The new episode, titled “No Borders,” continues the story of a team trying to stay out of the OMEGA corporation’s sight.

Following the events of the previous episodes, the team moves between cities and countries while OMEGA continues its search. The new episode puts particular emphasis on Verum Messenger’s capabilities that allow users to conceal their location.

“No Borders” is another chapter in a story about privacy, freedom of communication, and technologies that erase borders between people.

The VERUM AI mini-series consists of seven episodes, released gradually across Verum Messenger’s social media channels.

Episode 4 is now available. Stay tuned for the next chapter.

Watch on YouTube
Watch on Instagram

Technologies

Verum Messenger Introduces Built-In Verum Chess

Verum Messenger has released a new update for iOS, iPadOS, and macOS, adding another feature to its growing ecosystem — Verum Chess. Users can now play chess directly inside the messenger without switching between different applications.

The new feature allows users to start a game in just a few taps while reinforcing Verum’s vision of a unified digital environment where communication and everyday services come together in a single platform.

Verum Messenger continues to evolve into a multifunctional ecosystem that combines secure chats and calls, AI tools, a built-in VPN, anonymous email, eSIM, financial services, cryptocurrency features, and offline communication. With the introduction of Verum Chess, the platform now also offers a new way for users to interact and spend time together without leaving the app.

The update is now available for iPhone, iPad, and Mac on the App Store.

Technologies

Episode 3 of the VERUM AI Mini-Series Is Now Available

Verum Messenger has released the third episode of its AI mini-series, SHADOWS, created using Verum AI.

The new episode, titled «Ghost Money,» continues the story of the conflict between a team of heroes and the Omega corporation, which seeks to take control of digital communications. This time, the focus shifts to anonymous payments and financial freedom, revealing how privacy can extend beyond messaging.

Like the previous episodes, the new release not only advances the storyline but also showcases the capabilities of the Verum ecosystem, highlighting technologies designed for secure communication and digital privacy.

The mini-series consists of seven episodes, released gradually across Verum Messenger’s social media channels.

Episode 3 is now available. Stay tuned for the next chapter.

Watch on Instagram
Watch on YouTube