IPlayer only programming

I've noticed in the past month there's been a noticeable increase in 'iPlayer only' programmes (albeit some also appearing on the red button). I'm guessing this is perhaps part of getting viewers used to going online ahead of BBC Three's proposed closure, or at least helping to support it's case.

Recent examples include Doctor Who Extra, and the One Show music festival. It's also been announced that Frankie Boyle will be recording a referendum show for iPlayer only. (Ref: http://www.theguardian.com/media/2014/sep/04/frankie-boyle-scottish-independence-referendum-show-bbc-iplayer )

Possibly a silly question but are iPlayer only shows still subject to OFCOM regulations in the same way as if they were broadcast on TV?

Another show that's exclusive to iPlayer is Comedy Shorts, which can be found here. http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/group/p01zv79p
Well done Charlie Wells for setting up this new topic.
And as BBC Three goes online...

You can see their logic in increasing the availability of online-only programming, and not just because of the proposal to change BBC Three.

For many people, viewing online content no longer means sitting in front of their laptop, or watching on a tablet. The quality of downloads through Sky+, V+, Freesat+, Freeview+, YouView etc means that the product viewed by the end user is little different to a broadcast programme.

Perhaps it also means that iPlayer is able to tap into the BBC's vast archives: in the same way ITV Player, 4oD and others already do through those platforms.

Whether or not the BBC Trust approve the closure of the broadcast version of BBC Three, I think we're going to see a lot more content available this way in future - both new and old material. The technology favours it, so why not exploit it?

For reference ....

The relevant section of the iPlayer service licence is

iPlayer & TV should aim to nurture creativity and new creative talent in a variety of ways. It may explore ways of exploiting the unique characteristics of the internet to provide entertainment propositions originated specifically for the internet which help the BBC deliver its public purposes.

The limited jurisdiction of Ofcom over BBC Content will apply, moreso when carried onto TV receivers via Connected Internet Streaming.