UAE authorities caution Netflix over inappropriate content

The UAE authorities have cautioned streaming service Netflix over content that infringes the country’s media broadcasting regulations.

“Recently, it has come to our attention that the OTT platform Netflix is broadcasting some visual content that violates media broadcasting regulations in the UAE and contradicts the country’s societal values,” a statement by the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA) and the Media Regulatory Office, said.

The authorities have been in touch with the streaming service to have the content removed.

“We have contacted Netflix to have this content removed, especially the offensive content targeting children.”

Furthermore, TDRA and the Media Regulatory Office said that they are “committed to monitoring the content offered by the platform and the extent of its commitment to abiding by the broadcasting controls in the UAE, from now on.”

“We will be taking necessary action in the event of broadcasting any materials that conflict with the values of the UAE society and do not comply with the existing laws and regulations in the country,” the statement added.

The joint statement by the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA) and the Media Regulatory Office on the offensive content on Netflix platform #Netflix #TDRAUAE @tdrauae @uaemro pic.twitter.com/6pcE8cn8zj

— تدرا ?? TDRA (@tdrauae) September 7, 2022

Saudi Arabia also took similar steps, with the country’s General Commission for Audiovisual Media asking the streaming service to remove infringing contents.

بيان مشترك بين الهيئة العامة للإعلام #المرئي_والمسموع، ولجنة مسؤولي الإعلام الإلكتروني بدول مجلس التعاون، حول التوجيه بإزالة منصة نتفلكس “Netflix” للمحتوى المخالف. pic.twitter.com/bAm7xy1LLd

— الهيئة العامة للإعلام المرئي والمسموع (@gcamsa) September 6, 2022