Netflix and Prime Video contest France's streaming investment and window rules

Netflix and Amazon Prime Video are challenging France's streaming regulations through the Conseil d’État and behind-the-scenes talks with regulators and the domestic film industry. Netflix's agreement with French producers lapsed at the end of 2025, yet it must still allocate 20 % of its French revenue to local content, amounting to over $287 million annually, while being forced to wait 17 months for theatrical releases—a window that shrank from 15 months after stalled negotiations.

The company claims the current system is unsustainable and is also contesting new rules that earmark part of its investment for documentaries, animation and live performance. Prime Video, bundled with Amazon Prime, argues that its investment obligations should be calculated differently and proposes either $103 million for a window beyond 12 months or $126 million for a 12-month window, seeking parity with Disney+'s nine-month slot.

ARCOM has rejected Prime Video's request for Disney's shorter window unless it matches the financing level. Canal+'s recent $1.1 billion deal locks in a six-month exclusivity, and any change for Netflix or Prime could trigger renegotiations that would erode Canal+'s advantage. The battle is also moving to Brussels, where the European Commission is reviewing the Audiovisual Media Services Directive, and Netflix is lobbying for clearer limits on national investment mandates.