10-4-2024 (HANOI) Vietnam has issued a stern directive to Netflix Inc, ordering the U.S. streaming giant to cease advertising and distributing its online games in the country by April 25, citing the lack of a proper license for such services.
The Authority of Broadcasting and Electronic Information (ABEI) took this decisive action on Thursday, stating, “Vietnam demands Netflix comply with the Vietnamese regulations on game online services.”
In a statement published on its website, the ABEI left no room for ambiguity, issuing a clear command: “We order Netflix to stop advertising and publishing the Netflix’s video games on the Netflix application and on Appstore Vietnam and Google Play store Vietnam before April 25.”
This latest development adds to the ongoing tensions between the Vietnamese government and the streaming platform, which has previously been ordered multiple times to block domestic access to various content deemed unsuitable by authorities.
While Netflix has been actively seeking to establish an office in Vietnam, as reported by Reuters, the company now finds itself navigating turbulent waters regarding its foray into the online gaming realm.
Netflix began its push into gaming by launching Netflix games on mobile phones in November 2021, a strategic move to diversify its offerings and tap into the lucrative gaming market.
However, the lack of proper licensing in Vietnam has now prompted regulatory action, with the ABEI asserting its authority over the distribution of online games within the country’s borders.
As the April 25 deadline looms, Netflix faces a critical decision – comply with the Vietnamese government’s demands or risk potential consequences for operating without the required licenses.
The streaming giant has yet to issue an official response to the ABEI’s directive, leaving industry observers and consumers alike speculating on the company’s next move in this high-stakes regulatory standoff.
Vietnam’s assertive stance underscores the complex regulatory landscape that global tech companies must navigate as they expand their services and product offerings across diverse markets, each with its own set of rules and licensing requirements.
