R21+ content, the highest rating category on Netflix, will be hidden behind a PIN number, a spokesperson for the streaming service revealed on Thursday (Jan 7). This includes shows such as Netflix’s own Orange Is The New Black. In response to queries from Channel NewsAsia, following the launch of Netflix in more than 130 countries, the spokesperson said that some content on its service will be locked behind a PIN “in certain markets where such a practice is expected by our members or required by applicable law”. “As mentioned previously, we remain sensitive to preferences of members where we operate. Netflix will continue to make market-specific decisions based on the preferences of our members,” said the spokesperson.
As of right now, some shows may not yet be available to Singapore viewers. Netflix had previously said it was working with the Media Development Authority (MDA) to ensure content shown was within broadcasting regulations. A Netflix spokesperson declined to reveal the progress of its talks with MDA, saying it “will handle content classification on a case-by-case basis”. The spokesperson also declined to reveal the number of titles available for the Singapore market due to a constantly “expanding and changing” catalogue, but promised more content to come. “After we launch in a given market, we will almost immediately add more content to the service and in most markets the size of the catalogue doubles in the first year,” said the spokesperson.
