Netflix trips on regulation, content & competition
Months after its global rollout, Netflix Inc is facing problems in several major Asian markets as it struggles to provide enough strong content to attract consumers amid tough local competition, and also faces many regulatory hurdles, underlining concerns about disappointing subscriber numbers reported this week. When it launched in Indonesia in January, Netflix ran afoul of the film censorship board for carrying content deemed inappropriately violent or sexual. The communications ministry also demanded that Netflix set up a local office and pay Indonesian taxes. State telecoms company Telkom will continue blocking Netflix until it adheres to regulations. Netflix is still available in Indonesia via Wifi connections and other carriers. In Asia, competition is intensifying from local streaming sites as well as global providers such as Amazon, Hulu, HBO and BBC iPlayer.