Georgia's accessibility rule: subtitles by 2029
Under decree no. 7 of 27 June 2024 of the Communications Commission of Georgia (ComCom), TV channels and on-demand services must make more and more of their programmes accessible to people with disabilities, with subtitles or sign language. The first targets fall due before 1 January 2029: 5% of programme time for most broadcasters and 20% for the Public Broadcaster's first channel, rising every year to 2033. GeoCaptions writes Georgian subtitles from the speech and gives you an SRT file that viewers can switch on and off. It does not do sign language or audio description, and on its own it does not make anyone compliant.
Who the rule covers
- Broadcasters TV channels, each channel on its own, and the targets must also be met in prime time.
- On-demand services Video catalogues people watch when they choose; for them the share is counted from the catalogue.
- Transit operators Cable and IPTV providers: they carry an accessible programme in the same form, and their viewers must be able to turn subtitles on and off.
- Not covered Advertising and teleshopping. Social media creators are not named in the rule; whether an online channel counts depends on the Law on Broadcasting, so ask ComCom if you are unsure.
How much, and by when
The share of programmes that must carry subtitles or sign language (article 6). Each year means the period before 1 January of that year.
| Who | 2029 | 2030 | 2031 | 2032 | 2033 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Public Broadcaster, first channel | 20% | 30% | 50% | 70% | 80% |
| Public Broadcaster's other channels, Adjara TV | 10% | 20% | 40% | 60% | 70% |
| National over-the-air broadcasters | 10% | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% |
| Other broadcasters | 5% | 10% | 10% | 20% | 20% |
| On-demand services where films and series are under 50% of the catalogue | 5% | 5% | 5% | 5% | 5% |
| Other on-demand services | 5% | 10% | 15% | 20% | 25% |
For broadcasters it is a share of programme time, counted every quarter. For on-demand services it is a share of the catalogue. After 2033 the 2033 level stays. Audio description has its own, smaller targets (article 7).
The other dates
- Before 1 January 2027 Transit operators have the technology ready. An online portal for information and complaints opens at the Public Defender of Consumer Interests.
- Before 1 July 2027 Every provider names an accessibility contact person and writes an action plan, published on its website and sent to ComCom every three years.
- By 2029 Transit operators lend an accessible set-top box free of charge to viewers who ask.
- Before 1 September 2030 The first report to ComCom, then one every three years.
- Every time An accessible programme carries the symbol ST (subtitles) in its announcement, at its start and in the programme listings.
Where GeoCaptions helps, and where it does not
- Georgian subtitles from the speech Timed word by word; every word is compared with a Georgian dictionary of 510,000 words and the doubtful ones are marked for you to check.
- Subtitles viewers can switch off SRT and VTT files on every plan, for your player or playout system; or an MP4 with the subtitles in the picture, for clips on social media.
- Long programmes Up to 60 minutes per video on Studio, 30 on Pro; a longer programme is added in parts.
- Recorded video only GeoCaptions does not subtitle live broadcasts, and it does not do sign language or audio description.
- A person reads before air The rule asks for high-quality subtitles (article 13). Automatic subtitles can contain mistakes, so have someone read every one before it goes out.
A channel or service with many hours to subtitle: write to [email protected].
Questions people ask
When do the first targets apply?
The first column of the table, "2029", must be met before 1 January 2029: the decree says each year means the period before 1 January of that year.
Are subtitles enough, or is sign language required?
Article 6 counts programmes made accessible with subtitles or with sign language. Audio description is a separate duty with its own targets (article 7), for recorded films, series and similar programmes.
Do subtitles burned into the picture count?
The rule does not say. It does say that a transit operator's viewers must be able to turn subtitles on and off (article 8), so keep a separate subtitle file such as SRT as well, and ask your transit operators what they take.
May the subtitles be made with AI?
The rule does not mention AI either way. It asks providers to take every step for high-quality subtitles, and ComCom may publish recommendations on quality (article 13). Whatever makes them, have a person read the subtitles before air.
Does it apply to YouTube or TikTok creators?
The rule binds audiovisual media service providers and transit operators under the Law on Broadcasting. Social media creators are not named; if you run an online channel and are unsure, ask ComCom.
What if a small channel cannot afford it?
Under article 9, ComCom can reduce, suspend or end the duties if a provider shows, with its revenues and the costs of making programmes accessible, that meeting them would make its business impossible.
The rule itself
- ComCom decree no. 7 of 27 June 2024 on matsne.gov.ge (in Georgian)
- The same decree as a PDF on comcom.ge
Checked on matsne on 2 November 2026: one version, as published on 28 June 2024. This page explains the rule in plain words; it is not legal advice.
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