Gulf states demand Netflix remove content deemed offensive
Gulf Arab states have demanded that US streaming giant Netflix remove content deemed offensive to “Islamic and societal values” in the region.
It did not specify the content, but mentioned that it included content aimed at children. Saudi state-run Al Ekhbariya TV, in a program discussing the issue, showed blurred out animation clips that appeared to show two girls embracing.
The Riyadh-based General Commission for Audio-visual Media statement said the content violated media regulations in the Gulf Cooperation Council, which groups Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Oman, Qatar and Kuwait.
If Netflix continued to broadcast the content then “necessary legal measures will be taken”, it said, without elaborating.
The UAE issued a similarly worded statement regarding Netflix content on Tuesday, saying it would follow up on what the platform broadcasts in coming days and “assess its commitment to broadcasting controls” in the country.
