As the situation surrounding the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic continues to evolve, many around the world are now spending much more time at home whether they're working or simply self-distancing from others. As such, lots of users are streaming video from home to pass the time.

　　That much streaming video could, potentially, overload internet bandwidth. In an attempt to curb that before it becomes an issue, the European Union commissioner for internal market Thierry Breton revealed he spoke with Netflix CEO Reed Hastings, asking for the streaming to downgrade video quality to standard definition when "HD is not necessary."

　　You need a javascript enabled browser to watch videos.

　　Click To Unmute

　　Tears Of The Kingdom Is A Technological Marvel

　　Resident Evil 4 Is A Perfect RemakeHow Alan Wake II Made Me Face My Fear of Horror GamesGameSpot's Top 10 Games of 2023Thompson: The Pop Culture Icon’s Strange Legacy - LoadoutFirearms Expert’s FAVORITE Weapons Of 2023State Of Gaming Handhelds In 2023Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth - Official Ichiban Kasuga Character Spotlight TrailerHow Lies of P Cracked the Souls GenreLike a Dragon: Infinite Wealth - Official Chitose Fujinomiya Character Spotlight TrailerLike a Dragon: Infinite Wealth - Official Eric Tomizawa Character Spotlight TrailerLike a Dragon: Infinite Wealth - Official Kazuma Kiryu Character Spotlight Trailer

　　Share

　　LinkEmbed

　　Size:640 × 360480 × 270

　　Start at: End at: Autoplay Loop

　　Want us to remember this setting for all your devices?

　　Sign up or Sign in now!

　　Please use a html5 video capable browser to watch videos.

　　This video has an invalid file format.

　　00:00:00

　　HTML5

　　Auto HD High Low

　　Report a problem

　　Sorry, but you can't access this content!

Please enter your date of birth to view this video

　　By clicking 'enter', you agree to GameSpot's

　　Terms of Use and Privacy Policy

　　enter

　　Now Playing: Best Things To Stream For March 2020 - Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video

　　Important phone conversation with @ReedHastings, CEO of @Netflix

　　To beat #COVID19, we #StayAtHome

　　Teleworking & streaming help a lot but infrastructures might be in strain.

　　To secure Internet access for all, let’s #SwitchToStandard definition when HD is not necessary.

　　— Thierry Breton (@ThierryBreton) March 18, 2020

　　In a tweet, Breton wrote, "Important phone conversation with [Reed Hastings], CEO of [Netflix.] To beat [COVID-19], we [stay at home.] Teleworking & streaming help a lot but infrastructures might be in strain. To secure Internet access for all, let’s [switch to standard] definition when HD is not necessary."

　　According to CNN, Netflix confirmed the conversation between Hastings and Breton. In a statement, the company said, "Commissioner Breton is right to highlight the importance of ensuring that the internet continues to run smoothly during this critical time. We've been focused on network efficiency for many years, including providing our open connect service for free to telecommunications companies."

　　The company then announced it would, in fact, reduce its streaming bit rates across Europe for the next 30 days. "We estimate that this will reduce Netflix traffic on European networks by around 25 percent while also ensuring a good quality service for our members," the company said in a statement, according to an Associated Foreign Press correspondent.

　　While Netflix is still the industry leader in terms of streaming video, other services are stepping up their content offerings during the ongoing pandemic. Disney added Frozen II to Disney+ early, while movies like Trolls Word Tour will debut on-demand on the same day as the theatrical release, while others like Bloodshot and The Invisible Man to debut digitally shortly after their big-screen debut.