Netflix Inc., an American over-the-top content platform and production company, has removed a six-part television series “Pine Gap” from its platform over violations of Vietnam’s sovereignty.

"Pine Gap" series violates Vietnam's sovereignty. Photo: Local media

In the 12th minute of the second part and the 52nd minute of the third part, the Australian television series shows the image of a nine-dash line, an illegal map solely claimed by China and unrecognized by the international community.

The streaming service provider removed the series on June 30, five days after the Vietnamese Ministry of Information and Communications’ Authority of Broadcasting and Electronic Information (ABEI) made the request.

The streaming of the movie containing the nine-dash line has seriously infringed Vietnam’s Law on the Press and Law on Cinema, violating the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, ABEI said.

Over the past 12 months, the recurrence of Netflix violations was reported in three movies namely “Put Your Head on My Shoulder”, “Madam Secretary”, and “Pine Gap” that were available in services provided for Vietnam’s users.

“Pine Gap” was released on Netflix and broadcast on ABC in 2018.

Netflix started offering services in Vietnam in 2016. After years of operations and requests by the Vietnamese authorities, it pledged to fulfill tax obligations until 2020.

Netflix charges a maximum of VND260,000 (US$11.3) a month for Vietnamese users. Netflix app is available on almost all smart TV and becomes popular in Vietnam, having the largest film store compared to its rivals.

Speaking at the National Assembly’s interpellation on November 10, 2020, MIC Minister Nguyen Manh Hung said there were about one million Vietnamese subscribers of paid streaming services like Netflix, Apple TV, and iQIYI.