South African gamers are no strangers to the FPB, the Film and Publications Board that for a long time was a hurdle between them and digitally distributed video game content. They’re also, it seems, looking to change the way we access content in South Africa.
And now, it seems, they’re unhappy with Netflix. According to TechCentral (citing Kenyan website Standard Digital) the FPB chief operating officer Sipho Risiba has slapped Netflix with an ultimatum, saying that the international digital video content provider needs to rate its videos in accordance with the local governing body.
“Our values are different from the American values and their 16-year-old is not necessarily our 16-year-old and that’s why they must re-rate the films in conformity with our standards,” Risiba reportedly said.
TechCentral reports that Netflix has two weeks to get its ratings up to spec, or face sanctions. However, according to mybroadband, no such ultimatum has been given with the discussions about regulation thus far being “amicable.”
The biggest problem of course, is that we in South Africa already enjoy what can only be described as a neutered Netflix experience, especially with Netflix making good on its promises to crack down on DNS services, VPNS and proxies that open up other regions. Complying with FPB regulations can only lead to delays in content being released on the South African service.
And whether or not sanctions are on the cards, there’s a significant cost involved in complying with the FPB – with some believing that the FPB is working outside of the scope of its power. It’s all, it seems, about getting money out of Netflix, with the fee for rating sitting at R750 000.
“Any attempt by the Film and Publication Board to levy this fee should be resisted. I do not believe it is a lawful demand,” says ICT sector lawyer Dominic Cull.
Last Updated: March 18, 2016
Ryanza
March 18, 2016 at 14:01
Umar
March 18, 2016 at 14:03
Mother fucking pieces of shit fucks….Seriously…wtf…WTAF…I…………..sigh
Alien Emperor Trevor
March 18, 2016 at 14:07
THINK OF THE CHILDREN, YOU MONSTER!
Umar
March 18, 2016 at 14:08
Sanction me!
Alien Emperor Trevor
March 18, 2016 at 14:11
I’ll sanction you so hard that in the days following people will look at you and say, “damn son, you got sanctioned!”
Corrie
March 18, 2016 at 14:16
But aren’t you yourself sanctioned Trevor?
Alien Emperor Trevor
March 18, 2016 at 14:18
I’m sanctioned to sanction!
Corrie
March 18, 2016 at 14:26
Insanction :p
Mistake Not...
March 18, 2016 at 14:03
“Their 16-year-old is not necessarily our 16-year-old” True. I’ve been alive for ~20 years, but actually I’m only 14 years old in South African time.
Also, Netflix is essentially internet based. What? Is Youtube gonna have to do the same?
Umar
March 18, 2016 at 14:07
Isn’t that a scary thought….
John V. D. Merwe
March 18, 2016 at 14:18
You know that internet censorship bill that was all over the news a few months back? Well if that thing gets put into law, then yes. YouTube will have to pay the FPB to distribute content in South Africa, which they won’t. Because they shouldn’t have to. But then because it’s law, ISP’s will be forced to block all data traveling to and from YouTube servers. And that’s only half the issue. The bill also states that any South African made online content needs to be approved by the FPB before it can be put on global platforms such as YouTube. And the bill’s definition of what is acceptable is so vague that they can deem whatever they want as unacceptable.
Mistake Not...
March 18, 2016 at 14:21
Pretty sure that at the end of the day, it’s all about the money with the FPB. Not actually protecting the public. But what do I know? Someone has to tell me if I’m mature enough to watch and play certain things. -_-
Jan Prins
March 18, 2016 at 14:09
Aaaannnddd cue the hate. People, all your movies viewed at your local cinema is rated by the FPB, as is all your shows.
HvR
March 18, 2016 at 14:12
Not rated, regulated
Jan Prins
March 18, 2016 at 14:14
Rated. Regulated. Whatever. Same difference. Does not change the fact that this has been happening for years now.
HvR
March 18, 2016 at 14:17
Nope big difference.
Games are currently rated, meaning a recommendation is given along international lines by the content provider/creator. Choice is still yours.
Movies and series are regulated, content provider as to pay HUGE fees and government entity then legally determine what you are and you are not LEGALLY ALLOWED TO WATCH.
Jan Prins
March 18, 2016 at 14:23
Oh forgive me. I have left my dikshunary at home today.
Mistake Not...
March 18, 2016 at 14:24
It’s diksionary, dude. Sheesh.
Gavin Mannion
March 18, 2016 at 15:43
the fpb rate/regulate all video games sold via retail already
Mistake Not...
March 18, 2016 at 14:15
Also: R750 000. Please pay us so we can tell you if the public can watch it or not. (Seriously, some guy watches Netlfix for a few hours and gives it an arbitrary number. For that much money.)
Gavin Mannion
March 18, 2016 at 15:43
And trust me all the local media companies hate dealing with the fpb and the costs and delays that brings… just because it’s always happened doesn’t mean it should continue. There is no need for the fpb to rate EVERYthing
HvR
March 18, 2016 at 14:11
More going to route of nanny states like Australia and UK. Government telling what you can and can not watch and allow your children to watch (it is actually ILLEGAL in South Africa to overrule a movie age restriction as a parent)
This while most of social structures in the country is going down the shitter.
Corrie
March 18, 2016 at 14:14
Says the same people that rate 18+ video games as 16, I mean Just Cause 3 is rated 13 here yet it has swearing?
The FPB is irrelevant, since majority of minors see content their not supposed to and parents are fine with it
I mean they spoiled a bit of Deadpool for me with the young teen pulling a fake laugh next to me majority of the time.
My parents were fine with me playing 18+ video games growing up , but I grew up in a mature way without really having internet access.
Now kids walk around like it’s their right to swear you and tweet about it later
Dutch Matrix
March 18, 2016 at 14:33
I have to ask: Have you heard some 13 year olds?
Corrie
March 18, 2016 at 14:36
Yeah quite a few times in Pavilion, always in a group of guys and girls that dress super inappropiate and all I’ve heard is that F*@#ing this and F*&@ that , and while the girls are playing on their phones, what scares me even more is , sometimes in the movie line while there are other adults in line aswell..
Dutch Matrix
March 18, 2016 at 14:38
See now. Respect = Buggeroll.
Corrie
March 18, 2016 at 14:41
True, I mean some are hardly even old enough to be left alone, but I’ve seen some parents just drop off these kids at the drop zones then speed off or they sit at a restaurant with others not a care in the world what they get up to.
Ryanza
March 18, 2016 at 14:16
What PG rating would my comments get.
Umar
March 18, 2016 at 14:17
R.
Raptor Rants
March 18, 2016 at 14:17
beat me to it
Umar
March 18, 2016 at 14:17
Raptor Rants
March 18, 2016 at 14:18
GG
Ryanza
March 18, 2016 at 15:09
Rated R for Ryanza.
Raptor Rants
March 18, 2016 at 14:16
of course they do.
Corrie
March 18, 2016 at 14:18
Whats makes it even more stupid is that this is an internet based service where people are privately shown content that they choose to visit the site, how does this stop a 13 year old from clicking and streaming something their not supposed to?
Mistake Not...
March 18, 2016 at 14:19
Ssshhh… Don’t give them ideas. Next thing they’re gonna have a ratings board for pr0n.
Corrie
March 18, 2016 at 14:22
Lmao, I’m sure that’s next on their list, I mean whats better than getting paid to eat chicken and watch porn all day
Mistake Not...
March 18, 2016 at 14:23
Eeewww. Who eats while watching porn?
Corrie
March 18, 2016 at 14:26
Well I’m sure they are a one trick pony I doubt they have the stamina of a male porn star to (As sweet from San Andreas said)”Burp the worm” all day
Umar
March 18, 2016 at 14:27
…Gotte keep you energy levels up.
Mistake Not...
March 18, 2016 at 14:27
“up”. lol.
Umar
March 18, 2016 at 14:29
LOL I heard peanuts helps with that.
Dutch Matrix
March 18, 2016 at 14:34
The Charlie Brown comic strip??
Dutch Matrix
March 18, 2016 at 14:29
Well, if I had not wanked in a while… A mouthful of jizz is inevitable…
Mistake Not...
March 18, 2016 at 14:31
Dammit. You had to make it weird.
Dutch Matrix
March 18, 2016 at 14:31
Oh Hi! I’m Dutch. Pleased to meet you!
Raptor Rants
March 18, 2016 at 14:31
http://memeguy.com/photos/images/mrw-i-realize-that-ive-taken-a-joke-too-far-and-crossed-the-line-45171.gif
Dutch Matrix
March 18, 2016 at 14:32
Never say sorry!
Umar
March 18, 2016 at 14:19
It’s not about that in any case. It’s about the money and slapping their dick in Netflix face. It’s all about regulation and control. Same thing what network providers want to do with Whatsup.
Corrie
March 18, 2016 at 14:24
Yup as per usual looking for ways that need not be intervened in but because they smell money everything is fine in doing so.
This country needs to stop meddling with the internet, it’s something other people developed and designed and hence others have no right to restrict or have a say in it.
Umar
March 18, 2016 at 14:26
Why not use it to promote self-empowerment. Get us better access to the internet, show the population the power of the internet and how you can actually make a living through various means using it…but nope. WHERE DAT MONEY AT.
Corrie
March 18, 2016 at 14:30
To educate the uneducated will result in awareness…we can’t have that
Umar
March 18, 2016 at 14:33
Sometimes one might sound like a conspiracy nut, but in all honestly..there is truth to that statement.
Corrie
March 18, 2016 at 14:39
Lol always wear your tinfoil hat when you leave the house..:p
Johann
March 18, 2016 at 14:19
This is SA saying “We want a cut of da pie!”
Alien Emperor Trevor
March 18, 2016 at 14:23
In related news: FPB approves new streaming service – Gupflix.
Raptor Rants
March 18, 2016 at 14:24
trololololololool
Umar
March 18, 2016 at 14:24
LOL!
Pariah
March 18, 2016 at 16:43
HAH. Comment of the week.
miaau
March 18, 2016 at 14:36
Does government make VAT from our payments to Netflix?
Is that not where it should start?
Greylingad[CNFRMD]
March 18, 2016 at 14:38
AAAAARGHH!!! MY GAWD!!!! AAAAAAAAAAAARRRRRRGHHHH!!!!!!! What a bunch of mucking forons!!!
oVg
March 18, 2016 at 15:00
In other words the FPB accepted a bribe from MNET. 😛
Lord Chaos
March 18, 2016 at 15:57
Was wondering why the price went up so steeply.
*Says the man who doesn’t even have SABC
oVg
March 18, 2016 at 16:02
lol I was waiting for somebody to intervene like the over the counter apps for your phone. Watts App is next. South Africa, everybody needs the piece of the pie.
BakedBagel
March 18, 2016 at 15:09
Because the government knows what a 16 year old can handle
Topkek
Jim Lenoir (Banana Jim)
March 18, 2016 at 16:03
Oh… South Africa… tsk tsk!
cloudzn
March 18, 2016 at 16:10
God , can these arsewipes stop trying be important when they aren’t
Enigma
March 18, 2016 at 22:14
Bit of a coincidence that the FPB wants to regulate Netflix just after ShowMax launches and promotes their crap.
Gerrit Prinsloo
April 7, 2016 at 14:10
Just another MNET/Showmax strategy to grease some palms and curb the market segment…. Ag siestog