Netflix Will Not Censor Shows On The Platform Even If Staff Find It 'Harmful'

Netflix has updated its Corporate Culture Memo, revealing it will not censor content even if staff deem it ‘harmful’.

The popular streaming service and production company is reportedly updating its corporate memo for the first time in almost five years.

In the memo, Netflix has added an anti-censorship section to provide a ‘variety’ of shows to its viewers.

According to a copy of the culture memo obtained by Variety, it outlines the new regulations while confirming Netflix will not ‘censor specific artists or voices’ under a new section titled 'Artistic Expression’.

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The new section reads (via Variety): “Entertaining the world is an amazing opportunity and also a challenge because viewers have very different tastes and points of view.

"So we offer a wide variety of TV shows and movies, some of which can be provocative.

“To help members make informed choices about what to watch, we offer ratings, content warnings and easy to use parental controls.

“Not everyone will like — or agree with — everything on our service.”

The new section comes following Dave Chappelle’s Netflix special The Closer, which generated backlash from many employees from the company, who panned the comedian for making homophobic and transphobic remarks in his standup show.

While employees demanded the special to be removed, co-CEO Ted Sarandos defended Netflix’s decision to keep the special, which led to some staff staging a protest. 

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Netflix's new memo added: “While every title is different, we approach them based on the same set of principles: we support the artistic expression of the creators we choose to work with; we program for a diversity of audiences and tastes; and we let viewers decide what’s appropriate for them, versus having Netflix censor specific artists or voices.”

The 'Artistic Expression' also concluded that if people take issue with the diverse content, then Netflix has a simple message for them.

“If you’d find it hard to support our content breadth, Netflix may not be the best place for you," the memo read.

Along with the new section, the document also advises that employees will be more ‘fiscally responsible’ following Q1, where the company saw its first significant loss of subscribers in more than a decade.

Topics: News, Netflix, TV and Film

Charisa Bossinakis

Charisa Bossinakis is an Associative Journalist at LADbible. Charisa has worked across various media platforms including, print, digital, radio and podcasting while maintaining the highest regard for quality work and integrity. She also covered everything from breaking news, to pop culture, entertainment and politics and is part of the editorial team for LADbible.

@CBossinakis