Netflix Exposes South Korean Teens To X-Rated Content Due To Poor Adult Verification System
American-based internet network firm Netflix officially debuted in South Korea last month by opening an array of media content for consumers to enjoy, such as movies, documentaries and television series. However, the globally popular video service platform is creating concerns for the authorities in the tightly-conservative country due to its allegedly poor verification system.
While other current South Korean video-streaming companies go through a rigorous way of verifying users' age by comparing their names with personal information provided by mobile phone carriers, Netflix heavily relies on the information from credit cards to whether allow end-users to view X-Rated content or not, as reported in Yonhap News.
To access Netflix adult content, a user enters their e-mail address and credit account number and then basically ticks off the pledge statement "I am over 18, and I agree to the above conditions and the Terms of Use and Privacy/Cookies."
Netflix already said that they did not consider adopting a stricter verification policy in South Korea since the platform "operates a pin-code system that can ban minors' access to regulated materials," as stated by the company's spokesperson in Seoul.
In addition, Netflix representatives also reasoned that credit cards are issued to adults only. The problem comes from the thought that young children can easily use their parents' credit card information and access all types of videos because the internet-streaming giant does not use a tight adult-authentication technology, wrote China Business Finance.
However, Netflix has lower age-requirement of 16 imposed to its subscribers, as compared to South Korea's requirement of 19-years of age to access explicit content. The other local standard imposes a limitation on the scope of theaters that can play the content.
"We are in discussion with local regulators such as the Korea Media Rating Board on the matter," the company official added. "If there are other requirements made by the authority, we are always open to follow them. Netflix does not impose a unilateral grading system on all countries."
Netflix is seen as a double-edged sword among authorities ever since it stepped foot in the country this January. With a user-base of 75 million in over 190 countries worldwide, the platform gives a chance for a more global promotion of Hallyu or Korean wave, as stated in Korea Times.
However, aside from the strong competition that the previously established video streaming services are facing with Netflix's entrance in the Korean market, media experts also consider dependence on Netflix as a rather risky move.
