Netflix, YouTube to reduce streaming quality in the EU

The European Union wants streaming service providers like Netflix to limit their services in order to reduce strain on broadband networks, Financial Timesreported Thursday.

The European Commissioner for internal market and services Thierry Breton said such platforms should consider offering content in standard definition only, which consumes less bandwidth than high-definition content, which is often the default for viewers.

Breton said he had an "important phone conversation" on the matter with Netflix CEO Reed Hastings.

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According to CNN, Hastings and Breton will resume the conversation today. "Commissioner Breton is right to highlight the importance of ensuring that the internet continues to run smoothly during this critical time," a Netflix spokesperson told CNN.

Breton's suggestion comes at a time when broadband networks in the U.S. and Europe are under increased strain as thousands of workers work from home due to social distancing measures implemented throughout Europe and the U.S. in order to curb the ongoing coronavirus outbreak.

Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg said Wednesday that the company's platforms, including WhatsApp and Messenger, are experiencing surges in certain types of services, such as calls. Financial Timessays Spanish, Italian and British telecoms are reporting increased broadband traffic in recent weeks as more and more people work from home.

COVID-19– the disease caused by coronavirus – has so far killed more than 8,600 and infected more than 207,000 people. The outbreak has been worsening in the U.S. in recent weeks, with more than 8,700 confirmed cases and 149 deaths.

UPDATE: March 20, 2020, 9:10 a.m. CET Netflix said it will reduce the speed at which it delivers content to customers in Europe by 25%. The Australian government asked Netflix and others to take a similar measure in Australia.

UPDATE: March 20, 2020, 9:41 a.m. CET YouTube has confirmed to CNN it will reduce streaming quality in the EU and the UK as well. “We will continue working with member state governments and network operators to minimize stress on the system, while also delivering a good user experience,” a Google spokesperson said.