Following safeguarding concerns surrounding Netflix’s Baby Reindeer, the UK Government has shared a warning regarding new standards soon to be issued for streaming content.
After the release ofBaby Reindeer(which is currently on its way to becomingNetflix’s most-watched show of all-time), “internet sleuths” attempted to identify both Richard Gadd’s real-life stalker and his abuser. It became such an obsession, that the creator himself had to issue a statementasking viewers not to speculateabout the real-life figures.
Most recently,Fiona Harvey— who has been accused of being the “real-lifeMartha” and the inspiration behind the show — appeared in aninterview with Piers Morganto deny those accusations. Amid all this, the work of curious fans and the exposure of Harvey has been criticized by disapproving viewers and commentators.
Now, under new legislation,streaming servicessuch as Netflix could be held under much stricter regulations, and new laws would enable contributors and figures like Harvey (who says that she’s received death threats online) to make “fairness and privacy complaints” against them. The Video-on-Demand Code would also allow viewers to complain about harmful and inaccurate content.
It all comes from The Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), who say that the UK Media Bill would grant the UK’s communications regulator, Ofcom, world-leading powers to police content on Netflix and other streaming platforms.
When asked if Ofcom could pursue concerns over Baby Reindeer under the new legislation, a government representative said (viaDeadline): “UK broadcasters are subject to appropriate rules to ensure protections for audiences, contributors and other affected individuals. Our Media Bill will make mainstream video-on-demand services subject to similar high standards.”
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For more, check out our guide to Richard Gadd’s next project. You can also take a look at the10 movies and TV shows you should watch after Baby Reindeer.
Jessica Cullen is a TV and Movies Writer on Dexerto’s UK team. She’s previously written for The Digital Fix, Cosmopolitan, Refinery29, Slate and more. Aside from being the residential Yellowstone expert, she also loves Westerns, ’90s action movies, and true crime. You can email her here: jessica.cullen@dexerto.com.
