Gulf states warn Netflix over content that 'contradicts Islamic values'
The controversy follows some Gulf states cracking down on rainbow colors due to their resemblance to the LGBTQ pride flag, though the Gulf Cooperation Council did not mention what exactly the issue is with Netflix.
Several Gulf states criticized Netflix today over what they said is inappropriate content, in an apparent reference to LGBTQ material
A committee of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) issued a statement calling on the US-based streaming platform to remove content that “contradicts Islamic and societal principles and values,” including some children’s content. The GCC committee is currently chaired by Saudi Arabia, per the statement.
The United Arab Emirates’ Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority issued a similar statement today, referring to content that is allegedly not in accordance Emirati law as well as inappropriate for children. The Saudi government also reportedly reportedly released its own statement on the matter.
Why it matters: None of the entities specified what exactly is wrong with the content. However, the Saudi state-owned Al Ekhbariya TV channel aired an interview today with a consultant who accused Netflix of being an “official sponsor” of homosexuality.
