UAE authorities warn Netflix over 'inappropriate content'

Regulator says it will monitor output available on the streaming service

Netflix has been told to restrict certain content that is available to users in the Emirates. Reuters

The UAE government has told Netflix to remove certain content from its streaming service that it said is inappropriate for children.

Media and telecoms regulators made the decision due to concerns that some shows or films may breach UAE laws.

“It has recently been noticed that the Netflix platform has broadcast some visual materials and content that violates media broadcasting regulations in the UAE and contradicts societal values ​​in the country,” the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority and the Media Regulatory Office said.

“Netflix has been contacted to remove this content, especially the offending content directed at children.”

The statement said the authorities will follow up on what the platform broadcasts and “apply the necessary procedures in the event of broadcasting any material that … does not comply with the laws and regulations in force”.

Saudi Arabia took similar action against the streaming giant on Tuesday.

The Riyadh-based General Commission for Audiovisual Media said the content that must be removed was deemed offensive to "Islamic and societal values".

On Sunday, the Ministry of Education said teachers must sign a Code of Conduct that safeguards the welfare of children and what they are exposed to.

It covers a range of factors from bullying and neglect to teaching around issues including gender and sexuality.

Biggest Indian films coming to Netflix: in pictures

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  From left, Rajkummar Rao in 'Monica, O My Darling', Tabu in 'Khufiya' and Anushka Sharma in 'Chakda 'Xpress'. All photos: Netflix

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  Tabu reunites with acclaimed director Vishal Bhardwaj for the thriller 'Khufiya'.

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  Rajkummar Rao in the crime drama 'Monica, O My Darling'.

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  Triptii Dimri plays a singer in 'Qala', which also marks the film debut of Babil Khan, the son of late actor Irrfan Khan.

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  'The Archies', an official adaptation of the popular American comics, features a number of Bollywood star kids making their debuts.

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  Yami Gautam and Sunny Kaushal in 'Chor Nikal Ke Bhaga'.

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  Sanya Malhotra in the comedy about missing jackfruits, 'Kathal'.

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  Riteish Deshmukh and Tamannaah Bhatia in the romantic comedy 'Plan A Plan B'.

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  Anushka Sharma plays former Indian women's cricket captain Jhulan Goswami in the biopic 'Chakda 'Xpress'.

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  Clockwise from seated, left, actors Vijay Varma, Jaideep Ahlawat and Kareena Kapoor Khan with director Sujoy Ghosh, of the film 'The Devotion of Suspect X'.

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  Randeep Hooda in the espionage thriller 'Cat'.

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  Venkatesh and Rana Daggubati in 'Rana Naidu'.

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  A still from 'Class', the Indian version of hit Netflix show 'Elite'.

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  Konkona Sen Sharma in the dark comedy 'Soup'.

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  Dulquer Salmaan in Raj & DK's 'Guns & Gulaabs'.

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  Karishma Tanna in Hansal Mehta's 'Scoop'.

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  Nayanthara and Vignesh Shivan on their wedding day. Netflix documentary 'Nayanthara: Beyond the Fairy Tale' will trace the couple's romance leading up to their big day. Photo: Instagram / wikkiofficial