Gulf states tell Netflix to remove content that 'violates Islamic and societal values and principles'

Netflix sign in August 2020.
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  • Six Gulf states released a statement to Netflix demanding it remove content violating Islamic values.

  • The statement did not mention specific content to remove, but mentioned content directed at children.

  • If Netflix doesn't remove the content, the states said they would take "necessary legal measures."

Netflix is facing demands from six Gulf States to remove content the states say "violates Islamic and societal values and principles."

In a joint statement Tuesday a committee of the Gulf Cooperation Council and the Saudi General Commission for Audiovisual Media said Netflix would face legal action if it didn't remove offensive content, but did not specify what content.

According to Arab News, the statement said the committee reached out to Netflix about removing the violating content as well as "content directed at children."

It is likely the statement is a response to LGBTQ content on Netflix's platform. Bloomberg reported there have been debates in the Gulf about content promoting homosexuality to children. Homosexuality is condemned in Islam, and homosexual activity is illegal in the predominantly Muslim Gulf countries.

The six Gulf States in the council are Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.

Al Ekhbariya, a Saudi state television channel, aired an interview with a behavioral and family consultant who said Netflix was an "official sponsor of homosexuality."

A blurred clip of two female characters kissing on Netflix's animated show "Jurassic Park: Camp Cretaceous" was featured too.

"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," Esra Assery, CEO of the Saudi commission, told Arab News.

In June, Disney's film "Lightyear," part of the "Toy Story" franchise, was banned in some Muslim-majority countries because it featured two women kissing. In response, Disney+ said its content in the Gulf states "should align with local regulatory requirements."

Netflix did not immediately respond to Insider's request for comment. The streaming platform also did not make a statement in response to the GCC's statement.

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