Streaming service iQiyi unexpectedly deletes LGBTQ+ shows in Singapore
Chinese streaming service iQiyi removed ten LGBTQ+ television shows from its Singapore servers on 20 September. The shows were said to be removed as part of a media guideline compliance review.
A spokesperson for the streaming service said the deletion of the programmes is short-term. “The content was temporarily removed in compliance with the Infocomm Media Development Authority’s guidance towards R21 content,” they explained to Variety.
R21 shows are restricted to viewers who are over the age of 21. Earlier this year, Disney’s animated Pixar film Lightyear was approved for those 16 year old and above to watch.
iQiyi is one of the largest streaming platforms globally. It has nearly 500,000,000 active monthly users and an estimated 6,000,000,000 hours spent on its service.
