IPTV regulation in Hungary: laws and authorities

Which laws and authorities apply to IPTV in Hungary? A short overview of the Media Act, the Electronic Communications Act, the NMHH's role and the EU framework.

Updated: 15 October 20263 min read

In short

IPTV providers in Hungary are mainly regulated by the Media Act (Mttv.) and the Electronic Communications Act (Eht.); supervision is carried out by the NMHH.
Programme distributors must carry certain public service channels (the must-carry obligation).
EU law – the Audiovisual Media Services Directive, the European Electronic Communications Code and the GDPR – provides a common framework.

The most important laws

The list covers the most important laws and is not exhaustive.
Law	What does it regulate?
Act CLXXXV of 2010 on Media Services and Mass Media (Mttv.)	Media services and programme distribution, protection of minors, advertising, accessibility
Act C of 2003 on Electronic Communications (Eht.)	Electronic communications services, subscriber contracts, fault repair
Act LXXVI of 1999 on Copyright (Szjt.)	Copyright and related rights, collective management
Act CLV of 1997 on Consumer Protection	Consumer complaints, conciliation boards
Regulation (EU) 2016/679 (GDPR) and Act CXII of 2011 (Infotv.)	Protection of personal data
Regulation (EU) 2017/1128	Portability of online content services within the EU

The role of the NMHH

The National Media and Infocommunications Authority (NMHH) supervises the electronic communications and media services markets. The Media Council, operating within the authority, monitors compliance with rules on media content – for example the protection of minors.

Subscribers can turn to the NMHH in disputes concerning the network, the technical quality of the service and fault reporting. Contact details are on the authority's website.

Programme distribution and must-carry

A programme distributor is a provider that bundles channels into packages and delivers them to subscribers – whether by cable or over IP. Under the law, programme distribution must be notified to the authority.

Under the Media Act, programme distributors must carry certain public service channels. This is the so-called must-carry obligation, which ensures that public service programmes are available to every subscriber.

Content rules

Protection of minors – age categories and labels, time-slot restrictions. See: age ratings and child protection.
Commercial communications – rules on the amount and content of advertising.
Accessibility – subtitles and sign language interpreting for certain programmes. See: subtitles and accessibility.

The EU framework

Audiovisual Media Services Directive (2010/13/EU, amended by (EU) 2018/1808): Common rules for TV and on-demand services, for example on the protection of minors, and a requirement that at least 30% of on-demand catalogues consist of European works.
European Electronic Communications Code (Directive (EU) 2018/1972): EU minimum subscriber rights: a contract summary, transparent information and a maximum initial commitment period of 24 months for consumer contracts. Providers may apply more favourable conditions.
Portability Regulation ((EU) 2017/1128): Use of paid online content services during a temporary stay abroad. See: watching TV abroad.
GDPR ((EU) 2016/679): Uniform EU rules on the processing of personal data. See: privacy in streaming.

Where can you complain?

The provider's customer serviceAlways report to the provider first and keep the case number.
NMHHFor disputes concerning the network, technical quality and the operation of the fault-reporting service.
Conciliation boardFor consumer disputes (for example complaint handling, billing disputes, compensation) – free of charge and without court proceedings.
CourtIf the dispute cannot be resolved any other way.

In detail: subscriber and consumer rights.

Please note: this article is general information and does not constitute legal advice. Laws and regulatory practice may change; for a specific case, consult a legal professional or the competent authority.

Frequently asked questions

Do you need a licence to launch an IPTV service?

Programme distribution and electronic communications activities must be notified to the authority, and every channel distributed requires the rights holders' permission. Specific requirements are best discussed with a legal professional.

Should I go to the NMHH or a conciliation board?

The NMHH is competent for technical quality, network and fault-reporting issues. For general consumer disputes – for example about complaint handling or billing – you can turn to the conciliation board for your place of residence.

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