MANILA – The Movies and Television Review and Classification Board’s (MTRCB) plan to regulate streaming platforms is impractical, according to Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon.
Instead of MTRCB regulating Netflix and Amazon Prime Video, they should allow the streaming devices to regulate itself, the Ilonggo lawmaker pointed out.
“It’s very impractical. Instead of regulating Netflix and other streaming platforms, MTRCB should continue to allow them and other media to self-regulate content,” Drilon said over the weekend.
“There are thousands of shows on Netflix alone – how will MTRCB review each one? Can the MTRCB review every single content that can be accessed through the internet? What will they do about virtual private networks that allow users to access content from other countries? If they insist on it, then taxpayers will be paying MTRCB only to stream movies and shows 24/7, 365 days,” he added.
Drilon further noted that Netflix has self-regulation mechanisms that are not present in, and are perhaps, more effective than the regulation or classification in television.
Netflix classifies shows based on whether these are for General Patronage, Parental Guidance, 7 and above, 16 and up, R-18 and so on.
“The ratings are very specific. Upon subscription to Netflix, the parents can set what content their children can view. It has mechanisms that limit children’s access – a feature that free TV does not have,” Drilon said.
“If the platform is able to effectively self-regulate and has installed features through which access, particularly by certain age groups can be limited, then there is no role left for the MTRCB to play”, he added.
Drilon also reminded the MTRCB that the Constitution prohibits censorship on content as it is tantamount to prior restraint and infringes on the constitutionally guaranteed freedom of speech and expression./PN
