Petition · past parliament

Create a software option on TV's that disable the BBC so no license required.

Rejected 10 signatures

What the petition asks

Mandatory BBC software option built into new Smart TV's to allow viewers the option of disabling BBC content so negating the need for a license fee without intrusive harassment from the broadcaster.
Many people just use Netflix and other streaming services and some families cannot now afford the license fee. The current system of letters and doorstep attendance to check people's equipment is invasive. A software option built into the tuner would somewhat negate this issue. Modern smart TV's can monitor a viewers watching habits so why not include a software block for the BBC.

Why it was rejected

There was already a petition about this issue. Duplicates are rejected so signatures collect in one place.

Timeline

16 Aug 2020 Petition opened for signatures
4 Nov 2020 Rejected by the Petitions Committee

Key facts

Signatures 10
Status Rejected
Rejected 4 Nov 2020

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Source: the official petition page. Last checked 15 Jul 2026.