Netflix’s ‘Baby Reindeer’ faces heat from UK government over ‘safeguarding’ concerns

Netflix has received a warning from the UK government for its series, “Baby Reindeer,” becoming a reason for stricter regulations on streaming services. 

Speaking to Deadline, a government spokesperson stated, “UK broadcasters are subject to appropriate rules to ensure protections for audiences, contributors and other affected individuals.

“Our Media Bill will make mainstream video-on-demand services subject to similar high standards.” This bill grants broad powers to media regulator Ofcom to oversee content on streaming platforms.

The “Baby Reindeer” controversy centers around alleged failures in protecting the privacy of individuals portrayed in the series. The show, based on comedian Richard Gadd's experience with a stalker, sparked online speculation that identified the real-life person behind the character named “Martha” in the show. 

Fiona Harvey – a Scottish lawyer and Gadd’s alleged stalker in “Baby Reindeer” –  has since come forward denying stalking claims and threatening legal action against Netflix for its handling of the situation.

An expert explained to Deadline that with the new Video-on-Demand Code from Ofcom, viewers like Harvey will have a path to complain about both privacy breaches and potentially misleading content.

Harvey's case has become a rallying point for concerns about Netflix's safeguarding procedures. Industry figures like Richard Osman and Russell T Davies have criticized the streamer's approach, with Davies suggesting the BBC would have been more stringent in protecting identities.

Adding to the pressure, Netflix has remained silent on the issue, refusing to comment on its contact with Harvey or its overall safeguarding standards. 

“Baby Reindeer” was originally greenlit by Netflix UK's Anne Mensah and garnered nearly 54 million views.

According to Deadline, Public policy director Benjamin King defended the show in Parliament on Wednesday May 8, assuring them that “appropriate steps” were taken to protect identities. However, King refused to comment on specific safeguarding standards.