Yahoo News Gulf states ask Netflix to remove content that contradicts 'Islamic and societal values'
Some Gulf states have reportedly threatened legal action over content on Netflix that they consider to be offensive.
A special committee of the Gulf Cooperation Council has apparently asked the streaming service to remove material that violates "Islamic and societal values and principles".
It didn’t clarify which films or shows were being referred to although it’s thought some content directed at children was included.
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One news report is said to have mentioned content with scenes “promoting” homosexuality, which is still officially illegal in many parts of the Middle East. And another segment highlighted animated show Camp Cretaceous, which sees two female characters kissing.
Reports said authorities would follow up on compliance with the directives, and "in the event that the infringing content continues to be broadcast, the necessary legal measures will be taken".
Esra Assery, CEO at the Saudi General Commission for Audiovisual Media (GCAM), told Arab News: “All legal measures will be taken to protect the Kingdom’s sovereignty, citizens and residents from any intellectual attack aimed at affecting its societies, values, safety of upbringing their generations and protecting them from harmful content."
Over the years many films have been barred from release in certain countries over content.
Earlier this year, Lightyear was banned from cinemas in the United Arab Emirates, over "its violation of the country’s media content standards".
A specific reason wasn't given at the time but the movie about Buzz Lightyear did feature a same-sex kiss.
Last year it was reported that Marvel movie Eternals was being pulled from Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Kuwait.
And sources suggested it was because the film included a same-sex couple — Phastos (Brian Tyree Henry) and his partner Ben (Haaz Sleiman) — and the fact that they shared a kiss in one scene.
Yahoo has contacted Netflix for comment.
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