The BBC will require all iPlayer users to login into the popular catch-up service from 2017 as part of its drive to provide a “more personalised and tailored” service to viewers and listers.
As well as iPlayer, logging will become mandatory on BBC iPlayer Radio and many of the broadcaster’s mobile apps.
Viewing and listening habits will be analysed to help signpost other content users might enjoy, but the BBC says no data will be provided to third parties and users can delete their account and associated data at any point.
As well as helping audiences find new content, BBC bosses say the new sign-in requirement will help them make more informed decisions about future programming and services.
Tony Hall, BBC Director-General, said: “I want everyone to get the very best from the BBC.
“By learning about what you want and like we can take you to more of the great programmes you love, stories you might be interested in and content you might otherwise never have discovered.
“This is a real transformation – reinventing public service broadcasting for the digital age. Millions of people are already benefitting from this more personalised BBC, and by rolling it out for everyone no one will be left behind.”
Today’s news follows the recent launch of a new customisable BBC+ app for iOS and Android which lets users access some of their favourite BBC content while on the move and marks a further shift towards the BBC offering Licence Fee payers a more individual service.
