MTRCB Looks to Regulate Netflix, Vivamax, and Other Steaming Platforms

Amidst calls from various groups and concerned parents for better regulation for video platforms, the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) is looking to expand its jurisdiction. It hopes to review Netflix, Vivamax, Amazon Prime, and more streaming services in the near future.

During the deliberation of the agency's 2023 budget last week, MTRCB Chairperson Diorella Maria Sotto-Antonio explained that it might be time for the agency to look into international video streaming services, as well.

Based on the original Presidential Decree 1986, which was signed by then-President Ferdinand Marcos Sr., the body's authority only covers television and the movies.

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>pThe MTRCB shared that even without updates to its mandate, platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime have been coordinating the body for their content.>pOn Friday, September 23, the MTRCB released an official statement on the matter. It claimed that it will be assessing the "impact of legislators' call to expand the board's jurisdiction to cover online streaming platforms and applications and come up with a balanced and fair position.">pIt added: "Different groups, mainly concerned parents, have been asking the MTRCB to clamp down on the movies, programs, and videos shown on various online streaming platforms, some of which they claim should be subjected to regulation.">pSotto-Antonio assured the public that the body shares the same concerns with parents when it comes to children's consumption of age-appropriate content.>pSome groups, however, have pointed out that this could lead more platform creators to increase subscription fees.>pBack in April 2022, the MTRCB had removed Uncharted from Philippine cinemas after a request from the Department of Foreign Affairs. This was due to the movie containing an image of China's nine-dash line.>p