Asked by
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of
the partnership between Netflix and the British Board of Film
Classification to establish age ratings for streaming platforms;
and what plans they have to encourage other streaming platforms
to adopt such ratings.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for
Digital, Culture, Media and Sport () (Con)
My Lords, while adoption of the British Board of Film
Classification’s best-practice age ratings by online platforms is
currently voluntary, we welcome their usage by video on-demand
platforms. This includes an ongoing partnership with Netflix
which, on 1 December, announced that it had become the first
platform to achieve complete coverage of its content under the
BBFC’s ratings. We will continue to engage with industry to
encourage other platforms to do the same and will keep the
evidence for legislation in this area under review.
(LD)
My Lords, given that at present, under the audiovisual media
services directive, the UK cannot regulate non-UK-based video
on-demand services, does the Minister agree that BBFC ratings are
the best way to inform parents and children whether content is
appropriate, because they are trusted and reflect our national
concerns on issues such as violence and discrimination? Will the
Government take action to promote and ensure adoption by VOD
platforms whether regulated here or not?
(Con)
I hope I was clear in my first Answer that the Government are
very supportive of the ratings system. Since 2018, we have
encouraged voluntary adoption of the BBFC code.
[V]
My Lords, I thank the Minister for her answer. What will the
Government do if other platforms do not follow the Netflix
example? According to the BBFC, over 90% of parents said that
age-related guidance was helpful, and there is no doubt that
voluntary action may be more forthcoming if platforms are very
clear that the UK Government expect content consumed here in the
UK to be properly signposted with BBFC symbols and content
advice. How else do the Government plan to ensure that only
age-appropriate content is accessible to young and vulnerable
viewers?
(Con)
The right reverend Prelate is absolutely right that the evidence
suggests that the overwhelming majority of parents—I think
94%—would like to see a consistent ratings system. We are also
aware —this has been raised on many occasions by the public
service broadcasters—of the inconsistency in the regulatory
environment between PSBs and the platforms. We are looking at
that, including asking the PSB panel to review it.
(Con) [V]
My Lords, now that Netflix has arrogantly rejected the Secretary
of State’s excellent request to make clear at the start of every
programme that “The Crown” is a work of fiction, what action do
the Government propose to take to ensure that Netflix is
regulated by Ofcom and is not free to present poisonous and
mendacious material as fact?
(Con)
I think my noble friend is aware that my right honourable friend
the Secretary of State has made his views about the latest series
of “The Crown” extremely clear. Perhaps one positive outcome of
this is that Netflix has now made a statement in the public
domain that acknowledges that this is indeed a fictionalised
account. We are hopeful that Netflix will reflect on this for
future programmes to make sure that it serves its viewers to best
effect.
(CB) [V]
My Lords, we have the 9 pm watershed, which provides parents and
guardians with a good marker of the content and
age-appropriateness of programmes. Now that more and more
traditional broadcasters are offering on-demand services similar
to those offered by the streaming platforms, can the Minister say
what the Government are doing to ensure age-appropriate content
in this growing area of broad- casting?
(Con)
The noble Lord raises some wide-ranging points. In addition to
what I have already mentioned regarding our approach, we are
taking forward a media literacy strategy and developing a
one-stop shop which will give companies guidance on how to keep
children safe online.
(Lab) [V]
My Lords, is it true that the content guidelines carried by
Netflix are primarily derived by applying algorithms? Does that
not differ significantly from how the BBFC arrives at its clear
and consistent advice on content? If that is true, is it accurate
for Netflix to say that it is carrying BBFC age ratings on all
its programmes?
(Con)
My understanding is that the system that has been agreed between
Netflix and the BBFC is that Netflix takes a self-rating approach
in line with the BBFC’s classification, which is then verified
and audited by the BBFC. Both parties appear to be content.
(LD)
[V]
My Lords, far more parents allow their young children to play
18-plus-rated video games than allow them to watch 18-plus-rated
films. Indeed, one survey showed that 86% of parents do not
follow video game age restrictions. What more can be done to
persuade parents and others buying video games as Christmas
presents for children to understand the harm that can be done to
children by not taking seriously the age rating of video games?
(Con)
The noble Lord raises an important point. We would like to see
the Pan European Game Information—PEGI—age ratings, which are
used for physical copies of games, also used for online games,
and we are pursuing that actively.
(Con) [V]
My Lords, algorithm or not, this is a very welcome development
because it gives families some guidance with regard to the
relevant ages. Is my noble friend surprised that other platforms
have not joined in? In particular, Disney does not use the system
at all. It uses a ratings system based on a Dutch system, which
means that films that the BBFC has classified for cinemas and for
DVD release carry a different rating on Disney+. That means that
they are not aligned with what UK expectations would be. To take
one example, “Mrs Doubtfire”, a film that deals with bereavement,
loss and divorce, is sensibly classified as a 12 by the BBFC but
is rated as suitable for all on Disney+. This lack of consistency
does not help British families. Will my noble friend meet
urgently with Disney+, Amazon Prime and Apple to urge them to
join the system?
(Con)
My noble friend raises important points. I know that many of
these companies are very focused on a family-friendly approach
and that my noble friend the Minister for Digital and Culture
meets regularly with the companies working in this area.
(CB)
My Lords, while I welcome what the Minister has said about
keeping the voluntary, rather than mandatory, arrangements under
review, can she explain how Ofcom will judge whether an adult
service video on demand provider has taken appropriate measures
to prevent access by children and young people to our
18-classified material under the new audio-visual regulations
that came into effect last month? How does she respond to the
warning reported this morning from the Children’s Commissioner
that the Government must do more to protect children as messaging
apps make more use of encryption?
(Con)
Ofcom in particular uses the on-demand programme service code in
relation to these platforms. With regard to the noble Lord’s
second question, the issues raised around encryption are
incredibly important; that is a vital part of our digital world
and we need to find a solution. We are working with the industry
to find a solution which does not risk child safety but which
permits security and cybersecurity.
(LD) [V]
My Lords, is it not already clear that the British Board of Film
Classification has tremendous respect from the public, and should
not the Government bring the board into closer co-operation with
the CMA, Ofcom and the Information Commissioner as we map out the
legislation that is promised? As has been shown this morning, we
need their expertise.
(Con)
I am very happy to take those suggestions back to the department.
