Vietnam Demands Netflix to Stop Distributing Games, Ads by April 25: Here's Why

Vietnam's Authority of Broadcasting and Electronic Information (ABEI) has issued a directive to Netflix, instructing the streaming giant to halt the advertising and distribution of its games in the country by April 25, Reuters reports.

This action comes as Netflix has yet to obtain a license for its gaming services in Vietnam, according to statements released on Thursday.

Vietnam Orders Netflix to Stop Advertising, Publishing Games

In a statement posted on its website, ABEI emphasized the need for Netflix to comply with Vietnamese regulations regarding online gaming services.

The authority outlined its directive, stating, "We order Netflix to stop advertising and publishing Netflix's video games on the Netflix application and on Appstore Vietnam and Google Play store Vietnam before April 25."

This move is rooted in Article 31 of the Government's Decree 72/2013/ND-CP, which governs the management, provision, and use of internet services, online information, and online games within Vietnam. The decree aims to ensure the safety and security of online content and the rights and obligations of entities operating in this space.

TOPSHOT - The Netflix logo is displayed at the entrance to Netflix Albuquerque Studios film and television production studio lot in Albuquerque, New Mexico on October 13, 2023.

Netflix's gaming push began with the launch of Netflix Games on mobile phones in November 2021, signaling its ambition to diversify its offerings beyond traditional streaming content. However, without proper licensing, the streaming platform's gaming ventures are having trouble with Vietnamese regulations.

This isn't the first time Netflix has faced regulatory scrutiny in Vietnam. In previous instances, the Vietnamese government intervened due to content violations, including sovereignty laws.

Notably, in July 2023, Netflix, along with FPT Telecom, ceased offering the Chinese romantic TV drama "Flight to You" in Vietnam after it depicted a disputed map showing islands in the South China Sea as non-Vietnamese territory.

Vietnam's Strict Laws

Vietnamese authorities have been vigilant in enforcing sovereignty laws, particularly concerning territorial disputes in the South China Sea. The government has taken swift action against entertainment content featuring maps contradicting Vietnam's territorial claims.

In July 2023, Netflix and FPT Telecom ceased offering the Chinese romantic TV drama "Flight to You" in Vietnam after Hanoi deemed it violated sovereignty laws by depicting a disputed map showing islands in the South China Sea as non-Vietnamese territory.

Recent actions have seen Vietnam imposing bans on movies like "Barbie" and "Uncharted" also over disputed maps of the South China Sea.

As of now, Netflix has not released an official statement regarding the directive from Vietnamese authorities.

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