We already have few streaming platforms such as Netflix and iflix and now it seems that there will be another one called Aflix — a self-described ethical entertainment streaming platform.
However, the spotlight is shining on Ahmad Idham, the CEO of the Malaysia National Film Development Corporation (FINAS) who apparently said Netflix content needs to be censored to prevent it from negatively influencing child development. He also revealed that despite bringing up the issue that Netflix has been a medium where negative values are highlighted, there hasn’t been any follow-ups.
Patutlah kutuk Netflix. Dia nak launch “aflix”.
Ethical streaming platform ? So Netflix tu unethical is it? Just coz it has mature content ? Grow the fuck up.
🤮🤮🤮🤮🤮🤮 pic.twitter.com/MNnFQTjbvC
— Shamaine Othman ✊🏼 (@shamaineothman) November 18, 2019
His statement then blew up the online world as industry players, actors and online citizens criticised his words. Many of the remarks include asking FINAS to mind their own business, focus on growing local content instead of censoring other competitors and to leave the parenting to parents.
So how did Aflix get dragged into the situation? Well, the new platform is partnering with FINAS Malaysia to produce “ethical content” to be the “first ethical entertainment platform” in Malaysia. Twitter users are suggesting that FINAS is attempting to promote Aflix, hence the proposal to censor Netflix content.
Idham has further clarified on Twitter that FINAS doesn’t have the power to filter the content and that the suggestion was just to collaborate with the National Council of Women’s Organisation (NCWO) to strengthen digital content.
Meanwhile, parents should really learn how to use parental controls in Netflix if they want to regulate the content their children have access to. C’mon, it’s not that hard.
