Johannesburg - US streaming provider Netflix has given in to pressure from South Africa’s Film and Publication Board (FPB).
Credit: AP
Netflix, the US-based provider of streaming series, became available in South Africa in January as part of its worldwide expansion. File picture: Elise Amendola, APThe online movie service has submitted a registration form with a $100 (R1 450) fee, along with a petition for exemption from the requirement to submit films for classification.
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The fee for self-regulation was submitted on April 4, following a legal threat by the FPB over the issue of non-compliance with what experts called outdated regulations.
The FPB had informed Netflix on March 18 of its obligation to comply with the Film and Publications Act regarding registration and classification requirements and the prescribed licensing fee, said to be $49 239.94.
The FPB had instructed its lawyers to take the matter to court following Netflix’s refusal to comply with the regulations, board communication and public education manager Janine Raftopolous said.
She said lawyers had been asked to seek a ruling to stop Netflix from operating in the country until it came into compliance. The FPB then instructed an external law firm to institute legal proceedings.
“The matter is being handled by our external attorneys and we have received correspondence from our lawyers that Netflix has since indicated that they are willing to comply and request that we allow this process of contract negotiation to be finalised,” Raftopolous said.
BLOOMBERG