Netflix has called for “clarity” over new streaming legislation which is being proposed by the British government.
The Media Bill, a draft of which was published online in March, carries a number of proposals that would affect streaming services such as Netflix and Disney+.
Under the new laws, streaming content would be subject to regulation by broadcast watchdog Ofcom, and would have to comply with the impartiality laws by which traditional broadcasters are bound.
Netflix has submitted a five-page document to the UK parliament’s culture, media and sport committee, outlining the need for “greater clarity” and warned that it may result in the service having to remove content from their UK platform to avoid sanctions of up to £250,000.
The streaming service said: “We have consistently supported the introduction of the Media Bill, and proposals to bring our service under Ofcom’s jurisdiction in the UK. While we’re supportive of the Bill’s broader policy objectives, there are a number of areas where we would welcome greater clarity.”
The document drew attention to the proposed impartiality rules adding: “Without considerably greater clarity around the scope and application of these provisions, it would inevitably be easier to remove content pre-emptively from our UK catalogue than risk an onerous compliance burden and potential liability.”
Netflix also said the new rules raise “the possibility that Netflix would need to keep its library of content under continual review, purging titles on a regular basis.”
Meanwhile, Netflix last week received major backlash over the announcement of their new rules for any subscribers who wish to share their passwords and accounts.
In a statement they explained: “Starting today, we will be sending this email to members who are sharing Netflix outside their household in the United Kingdom.
The streaming giant said a Netflix account was “for use by one household” and those wanting to share theirs must pay £4.99 to do so.
Source: www.nme.com
