AKP's Hüseyin Yayman reacts to Netflix Turkey representatives: 'Don't take the conversation on a scenic tour'

The Turkish Grand National Assembly (TBMM) Digital Channels Commission met under the chairmanship of AKP Hatay MP Hüseyin Yayman.

Netflix Turkey Public Policy Director Pelin Mavili and Senior Communications Manager for Turkey Özgür Artanç Savaş gave a presentation to the commission.

In his speech before the presentation, AKP's Hüseyin Yayman stated, "Digitalization has truly reached a point where it encompasses all areas of life, not just education, trade, culture, and art. We are facing an intense agenda with a scope that feels infinite, ranging from digital addiction to gaming sites, virtual betting to digital platforms, and social media platforms to the digital future and artificial intelligence. Right at the beginning of my remarks, while expressing my thanks once again for your participation in this meeting, I would like to note that our Minister of Family will come to our Commission on January 30."

Continuing his speech, Yayman stated that betting and games of chance have grown rapidly within the framework of technological and technical possibilities, and that internal legal mechanisms must be established to combat them.

Following Yayman's speech, Netflix Turkey Public Policy Director Mavili gave a presentation. Noting that the platform is used in 190 countries around the world, Mavili said, "We are referred to as 'digital platforms,' but if you look at the broadcasting service, Netflix is not a platform because users cannot interact with each other. It is important to clarify this part in terms of legal definitions. Another important point for us is that Netflix is the service currently in Turkey that provides the most space and the most access to Turkish series and films in the world, because it operates in 190 countries."

"IF THERE IS ANYTHING CONTAINING LGBT, THERE IS A PLUS 18 SEXUALITY LABEL"

Responding to questions from MPs after the presentation, Mavili addressed criticisms that Netflix engages in LGBT propaganda, saying, "If there is anything containing LGBT, there is a plus 18 sexuality label. But we cannot apply individual labeling regarding individuals' lifestyles or issues related to the international declaration of human rights. We can only apply thematic labeling. We can label based on topics such as 'contains violence or sexuality,' but we cannot apply labeling regarding individual freedom, personal preference, or lifestyle."

"DON'T TAKE THE CONVERSATION ON A SCENIC TOUR"

AKP's Yayman reacted to Mavili with the words, "Don't take the conversation on a scenic tour. Speak clearly. Is there pressure regarding LGBT issues, is propaganda being made?"

Regarding criticisms of the Greek Cypriot-produced series "Famagusta," which depicts Turkish soldiers as occupiers, Mavili stated the following:

"We are also citizens of the Republic of Turkey. It saddened us too when we heard about it. First of all, the series is not Netflix content and was not produced by Netflix. The series had already been made in its relevant country and broadcast on television. It was content that had reached its audience. We immediately performed our checks and began our consultations. Netflix immediately grasped the sensitivity of the society. People rightfully voiced their grievances.

A solution was reached as follows: This content was only broadcast by us on the condition that it remained limited to the country where it had already found its place on screen and reached its audience. The third season of that series was also released on television in its own country. That third season was not released on Netflix. Therefore, we heard the sensitivity on this issue very clearly. It was not a series that the Turkey team knew or saw. When it came to our agenda, a consensus and agreement were reached by consulting with RTÜK."

In response to a question from AKP Ankara MP Zeynep Yıldız asking, "Why were films made by Palestinians and about Palestinians removed from the platform?" Mavili explained, "When Netflix acquired the Palestinian collection for one year three years ago, it was the medium with the most Palestinian stories in Turkey and the world. Netflix was the largest and most active medium telling Palestinian stories to the world. The license period for the content was set on the day it was acquired. The license was going to expire in 2024 anyway. The licenses expired. It was removed from broadcast because we no longer had the rights to the content."

THEY DID NOT WANT TO DISCLOSE THE NUMBER OF SUBSCRIBERS TO THE PRESS

Some MPs asked the officials about the amount of tax the platform pays, its balance sheet, and the number of subscribers in Turkey. Because the officials did not want to share these figures with the press, the commission continued in a session closed to members of the press.