Netflix has threatened to remove shows and films from its British library should the UK government impose new content regulations.
The new rules suggested by media regulator Ofcom would police streaming platforms in a similar fashion to broadcast networks; streamers could be fined up to $310,000 for hosting "harmful content."
- In a submission to the UK Parliament's Culture, Media, and Sport Committee, Netflix referred to the regulations as "nebulous" and "onerous."
- Netflix argued that complying with the rules would require it to keep content under continual review, purging non-compliant titles on a regular basis; ultimately, the company argues that it would negatively impact the quality of its service for British viewers.
- Last month, Netflix's head of UK policy -- Benjamin King -- voiced similar concerns, warning that the rules would have a "chilling" effect on the streamer's ability to produce unscripted content for the country.
- Disney contacted the Parliamentary committee with a similar argument.