The decision came after a GCC special committee called on Netflix to remove offensive content from its platform or risk litigation.
Egypt’s media regulator has demanded that Netflix and other streaming services adhere to its ‘societal values’.
The announcement comes a day after six Gulf countries including Saudi Arabia and the UAE requested that Netflix remove “offensive content” from its local platform, because such programmes “contradict Islamic and societal values and principles”.
According to a statement from the Supreme Council of Media Regulation, the number of Egyptian users signing up to such platforms is reaching unprecedented levels, which has increased the need for more regulation.
“The council has decided to set up new regulations and licensing requirements on online streaming platforms like Netflix and Disney,” the statement read.
The statement called for them to undertake “necessary measures if they air content contradicting values of the society.”
It is not the first time that Arab countries have asked streaming platforms to take down content viewed as violating society standards.
In June, Arab countries banned the public showing of Disney’s latest animated film Lightyear which has a brief moment showing two lesbian characters kissing.
In January, Netflix’s first Arab movie Perfect Strangers sparked controversy with critics claiming it threatened family and religious values and encouraged homosexuality.
Egyptian lawmaker Mostafa Bakry suggested that Netflix should be banned from the country and called for an urgent meeting in parliament to discuss the situation.
